Hot Stove: Harper Watch

It’s now day two of the MLB Winter Meetings, and #HarperWatch is officially on.

Here’s what they’re saying…

• Top 3 suitors?

Top 3 teams in the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes according to @kurkjian_ESPN

1. Phillies
2. Dodgers
3. White Sox

— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) December 7, 2018

Rival executive told me today that he believes the Bryce Harper sweepstakes (as of Mon.) is down to three teams: #Phillies #WhiteSox and #Dodgers. A lot of other moves would need to be made first for LA to land Harper, AND I'm told team is hesitant to meet Boras asking price.

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) December 10, 2018

It’s interesting to see the Nationals not listed. I can’t understand sinking 140 Million into Patrick Corbin, and then letting a once in a generation homegrown superstar walk out the door.

That’s just crazy to me.

On the other-hand, I can’t see a them sinking 140 million into one player then 300 + into another.

That would also be pretty crazy.

• The odds 

Updated odds for what team Bryce Harper will be on for the first game of the 2019 MLB regular season (@betmybookie):

PHI +300
LAD +400
WSH +500
SF +650
CHC +700
STL +1200
CWS +1400
NYY +1600
ATL +2000
HOU +2500
LAA +3300
Field +400

— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) December 5, 2018

Let me be the first to tell you that these odds mean absolutely nothing. If you followed CEO Joe and myself during #LeBronWatch, these odds were continually wrong, up until they swung heavily in the Lakers favor.

Until you see a major swing, it doesn’t mean shit.

• Harper’s agent, Scott Boras is soaking up the spot light… 

As Nick Dubs pointed out…  Scott Boras came out swinging in day one…

https://twitter.com/branded_sports/status/1072522567699849217

Boras is going to milk Harper’s free agency for all it’s worth. It’s possible that he drags this out until Thursday, or even longer.

These meetings are centered around the 26-year-old superstar, and Boras is going to take nothing less than the highest bid.

• The Yankees are out?

Asked about Bryce Harper, Brian Cashman rattled off the names of his six outfielders and said there’s no spot. Reiterated that playing Harper at first base isn’t an option for the Yankees.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 10, 2018

Brian Cashman indicated that Bryce Harper isn’t a fit for the #Yankees. Said the team already has six outfielders and that playing Harper at first base isn’t realistic.

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) December 10, 2018

The #STLCards and #Yankees adamant today they are not in Bryce Harper sweepstakes

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2018

The Yankees are always looming. I’d personally never count them out of anything. I would imagine they will be active this winter, however, Harper may be too rich for even their blood.

• The Phillies are in on everyone (allegedly) 

Not surprising at all, but the Phillies and Team Boras are working out a time to meet here in Vegas. Phillies maintain interest in Zach Britton and Bryce Harper, though at the moment seem to be more on Manny Machado than Harper

— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) December 10, 2018

Sorry about the bevy of Phillies tweets today. But they're incredibly active!

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 10, 2018

#Phillies will meet this week with agents for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, but they say they won’t wait forever for them to sign. “We’re trying to move the needle … at the same, we’re not going to sit around and be held hostage by one or two players.” https://t.co/QCGWDKESfa

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 11, 2018

The Phillies have a ton of pressure on them to sign a major star this winter.

It’s important to note that Phillies reporter Jim Salisbury (the best Phillies reporter in the Philadelphia area) has consistently named Manny Machado as the guy he believes the Phillies will ultimately sign.

Whether they sign Harper or not, I do believe they will be extremely active…

Actions speak louder than words.. and I wouldn’t say the Angels “hit the jackpot” .. CJ Wilson, Albert Pujols, both awful signings. #BeBold #BeBetter pic.twitter.com/mb5V2V5vZw

— Brian (@B_McGLOCK) December 7, 2018

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Phillies sign a player today not named Harper or Machado. They seem to be involved on every free agent available.

• Are the White Sox for real?

Branded Sports Chicago blogger, Kurbs has been beating this drum for weeks, but everyone has been dismissing the idea.

https://twitter.com/ekurbyun/status/1060261239509655552

Maybe it’s time to start taking the White Sox seriously….

https://twitter.com/michaeltomaso/status/1070463323811037184

Jerry Reinsdorf is going to spend big? Really? Column on the #WhiteSox swinging for the free-agent fences: https://t.co/aO8ygcUGoP $

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018

• Mystery owner?

Bryce Harper Las Vegas rundown: He’s met with several teams here off site in his hometown. And has a few more to go. Also, a “mystery owner” has flown in to visit with him.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 11, 2018

This is very interesting.

My first thought when I saw this “rumor” was that it’s probably Phillies owner John Middleton.

Then I started to think. Could it be Magic Johnson? That would seem like a very Magic type move.

Magic Johnson says he did not go to Las Vegas to meet with Bryce Harper. Our original story has been updated to reflect this and includes a quote from Johnson: https://t.co/AfeLtkcxtK

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 4, 2018

Despite Magic shooting down the Harper rumors, I wouldn’t count out the possibility of him bringing Harper to LA.

Where will he sign? 

With Scott Boras running the show, it’s anyone’s guess.

I’d rank the contenders like this…

1. Phillies- Open checkbook, need a star
2. Dodgers- It’s LA
3. Nationals- Can they really sign Corbin for 140 mil and not bring back Bryce freaking Harper!!
4. White Sox- Money talks
5. Cubs- I just have a weird feeling. Harper and Bryant are BFFs
6. Yankees- I’ll never count them out
7. Braves- Why not?
8. Giants- They need something
9. Mets- New GM might want to make a statement
10. Angels- They love spending money

There’s no doubt that Boras will will hold out for the highest bidder. In 2000 he walked away with a huge victory leading his client, Alex Rodriguez to a 10 year $252 Million dollar mega deal. 18 years later, I’m not expecting Boras to take a loss. So if he doesn’t get what he likes, this could drag out.

As we know, the A-Rod deal didn’t exactly work out for the Rangers. So, proceed with caution.

Stay tuned.

Feature image: Las Vegas Review Journal