If the latest Bryce Harper rumors are true, his new employer could be holding an introductory press conference as soon as tomorrow.
"New," because it doesn't sound like he's coming home to Washington.
ALSO READ: Nats Still Don't Want to Shut the Door on Harper
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Harper could be swapping his curly 'W' for a rather average looking 'P.'
Bryce Harper, who has been waiting for someone to meet his price, appears to have found that team in the #Phillies. There is no deal yet but he will ultimately receive more than the 10-year, $300 million contract he turned down from the #Nats in September.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 17, 2019Then there is whatever this amounts to:
Hearing from a couple birdies that the Phillies are making all staff work tomorrow (scheduled off day)...possibly all hands on deck to handle some big news that would cause a surge in tix sales and exposure... ------
— Smitty (@SmittyBarstool) February 17, 2019Just to prove that this process will never end, fellow MLB insider John Heyman named two other teams that are still in the hunt:
While the Phillies have made progress and are seen as the favorite for Harper, especially with the self-proclaimed stupid money, several teams are said to still involved, including both the Giants and Padres.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 18, 2019As you probably noticed, none of these teams is the Washington Nationals. That doesn't mean they aren't involved, but it might make them the black horse down the stretch.
Having Harper stay in the National League would be painful for Nats fans, especially if he goes to Philly.
Adding insult to injury: Harper's absurdly long stay on the open market could pay off for him financially.
Way back in September, he declined a reported 10-year, $300-million offer from the Nats. At certain parts of the offseason, it looked like Harper--whose decision seems driven by the last dollar--might come to regret his approach. Perhaps, after gauging his market, he would see how much the team and city love him.
After all, 300 million birds in the hand are worth 500 million birds in the bush, or whatever.
Instead, it sounds like Harper's deal will vastly exceed $300 million, thus rewarding his holdout.
And unless the Nats are ready to match the "stupid money," they'll watch as he buttons up another team's jersey this week.
Follow Brian Tinsman and 106.7 The Fan on Twitter.
