Spring training is set to open with Harper, Machado still unsigned
With spring training officially firing up this week, it might seem late in the offseason for the MLB’s hot stove to still be lit. But in a second straight year with a stagnant market, many notable free agents remained unsigned as pitchers and catchers report to camp in Arizona and Florida. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of 2019 free agency:
Harper, Machado still
waiting. With position players due to report next week, baseball’s two biggest free agents haven’t found a team, and the lack of contracts for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado is undoubtedly having a freezing effect on the rest of the positional player market. The 26-year-old stars still seek contracts north of $300 million, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal noted there’s a “staring contest” occurring between the players’ agents (neither wants his guy to sign first) as well as between the clubs (owners are waiting for another team to set the market).
As opening day looms March 28, Harper’s main suitors remain the Nationals and the Phillies, although the Giants have made a late, serious push. San Francisco met with outfielder Harper in his hometown of Las Vegas last week, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports the Giants are interested in a “lucrative short-term deal” for him instead of a decade-long megacontract. Meanwhile, the White Sox remain the clear front-runners to land Machado — the reports on Chicago’s offer vary, with the ceiling being an eight-year, $250 million deal — while the Yankees are still engaged with the infielder as the Bronx remains a potential destination. San Diego has also pursued both players.
Phillies going all-in on
2019. While the Dodgers’ busy offseason has upped their divisional odds considerably and the Brewers have also gotten better, the Phillies have had the loudest offseason of any team in baseball. Suddenly serious contenders for the National League pennant, Philadelphia’s trade with Miami for J.T. Realmuto last week gave it a franchise catcher along with the hoards of other talent the club has acquired this offseason such as outfielder Andrew McCutchen, shortstop Jean Segura and pitcher David Robertson. And with Harper and Machado still out there, Philadelphia’s busy offseason may not be done yet.
Notable minor-league
contracts. A couple of weeks ago, Colorado took a flier on slugging free-agent first baseman Mark Reynolds, signing the 33-yearold to a minor-league contract with an invitation to major-league camp. Reynolds is one of many veteran nonroster invitees across the league as older, established players look for opportunities in an unfavorable market.
Other notable players who’ve received minorleague contracts along with a spring training invitation include outfielders Rajai Davis (signed with the Mets), Hunter Pence (Rangers) and Curtis Granderson (Marlins); catcher Nick Hundley (Athletics); and pitchers Danny Farquhar (Yankees), Homer Bailey (Royals), Josh Tomlin (Brewers) and Francisco Liriano (Pirates).