Harper, Machado appear near to deals
With spring training in full swing and games set to begin this week, the buzz surrounding 26-year-old free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado has intensified as negotiations seem to be moving toward conclusion. Here’s the latest on those two stars, plus more analysis of recent moves.
Harper, Machado to signing? close
On Sunday, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweeted “things are heating up with Harper,” with the Phillies emerging as the clear front-runners to land the outfielder. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale echoed what Heyman reported, tweeting that Harper has found his team in the Phillies and that his contract will be worth more than the 10-year, $300 million deal he turned down from Washington at the end of the regular season. Until it’s a done deal in Philadelphia, however, there’s no ruling out the Nationals, the Giants or even the White Sox from making a late push to acquire him.
Speaking of the White Sox, they had been viewed as the favorites to sign Machado. The White Sox’s offer to the infielder is strong — reports vary on the exact length and amount, but it’s about seven or eight years and in the ballpark of $220 million to $250 million. But San Diego, which has also made a late charge at Harper, has leapfrogged the White Sox in the sweepstakes for the coveted infielder, who would likely play third base if he signed with the Padres. Per The San Diego Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee, the Padres’ offer to Machado is for eight years and north of $250 million. It’s an offer that probably won’t be topped.
Moustakas Brewers. returns to
Veteran third baseman Mike Moustakas was the most high-profile free agent to sign over the past week. The 30-yearold signed a one-year, $10 million deal which includes a mutual option for 2020, extending his stay in Milwaukee, where he hit .256 with eight home runs after being traded from Kansas City at midseason. Moustakas was also pursued by the Padres, meaning San Diego might now be even more motivated to sign Machado as their long-term solution at the hot corner.
Other notable market moves over the last week include a deal for Yankees right-hander Luis Severino, who avoided arbitration by signing a four-year, $40 million contract; a new team for ex-Colorado outfielder Gerardo Parra, who signed a minor league contract with the Giants for $1.75 million plus incentives; and a fouryear, $45 million extension for right-hander Aaron Nola as the Phillies continued their active offseason by locking up their ace.
Still waiting.
Besides Harper and Machado, a trio of other premier players still linger on the market in reliever Craig Kimbrel, starter Dallas Keuchel and outfielder/utilityman Marwin Gonzalez. For Kimbrel, the all-star righthander is rumored to be asking for a six-year deal, and Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has stated Boston won’t add to its already-massive payroll by splurging on a mega-deal for a closer. Other teams mentioned in the Kimbrel chase include the Yankees, Phillies, Nationals, Twins and Braves, while Atlanta could also be in the mix to keep Keuchel from returning to the Astros.