Eric Hosmer got 8 years and $144 million. What does Harper get for that same 8 years. $200 mil? $240 million? I think some team might give him $300 million. Hopefully not the Nats.
I think he'll get $300 million and/or a ludicrously high AAV with very favorable opt-out terms, and possibly still both. I can't imagine him getting past Stanton, and I think Boras is smart enough to prioritize the ability to cash-in after an MVP-type season in his mid-20s over total dollars, as long as Bryce is getting $30 million plus a year.
Honestly, I think the most face-saving move for both sides is probably something like a 5-year $165 million extension with opt-outs every year after the first two years. Makes him look like he "took a discount' to stay in DC, saves him from looking stupid by floating $400 million last year, saves the Lerners from letting him walk, keeps him here while Max/Stras are still prime, and still leaves a 95% chance he'll hit the market again to get his 10-year deal in 2 years.
