Bryce Harper 2018 and beyond

[Greg_SRT]

Resign him already

[UMDNats]

I don't see indication it's a farewell at all.  I've seen both sides say they'd like for the relationship to continue, but hundreds of millions of dollars are being negotiated.  You weaken your stance if you seem dead-set on bringing him back at all costs or for him dead-set on returning even if not offered the best deal possible.  I think it's a better than 50% chance he returns.

they're playing the bryce greatest hits album at the stadium pregame

[Expos]

I don't see indication it's a farewell at all.  I've seen both sides say they'd like for the relationship to continue, but hundreds of millions of dollars are being negotiated.  You weaken your stance if you seem dead-set on bringing him back at all costs or for him dead-set on returning even if not offered the best deal possible.  I think it's a better than 50% chance he returns.

We have Soto, Eaton, Robles and Taylor under team friendly deals for years. Signing Harper and allocating all those funds when we have holes all over the roster and big money contracts due to Rendon and Turner would not be a wise buisness move.

If Soto didn't come up this year and show that he has star potential then re-signing Harper was an absolute must.

Take the 1st round pick and run. We need an attitude change on this team anyways. Zimmerman can go with him too.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

they're playing the bryce greatest hits album at the stadium pregame

So the guy who operates the music at the game has scooped everybody else?

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

We have Soto, Eaton, Robles and Taylor under team friendly deals for years. Signing Harper and allocating all those funds when we have holes all over the roster and big money contracts due to Rendon and Turner would not be a wise buisness move.

If Soto didn't come up this year and show that he has star potential then re-signing Harper was an absolute must.

Take the 1st round pick and run. We need an attitude change on this team anyways. Zimmerman can go with him too.

There is no guarantee that a supp pick pans out.  You can flip Eaton for help elsewhere.  Signing Harper doesn't preclude you from signing Rendon, and Turner is years away from free agency and Soto/Robles even further.  Zimmerman can be bought out of his 18 million a year for 2 mill after next season.  There's half the Harper money.

[Ray D]

Did I say Ray D hates Harper?  Why do you think it's all about you? 

You're referring collectively to those of us here who'd rather see him move on, and characterizing that sentiment as hate.  That group includes but certainly isn't limited to me. And I'm asking you why you characterize that as hate.

[Slateman]

Not really. Stras was about 3 years younger and had a longer track record of quality pitching. Corbin's been way more up and down than Stras, who's been pretty consistently good to very good the whole time he's been in the majors. Corbin's probably a touch healthier, but he's really only established himself as a quality starter for the past two seasons.

Strasburg's contract extension didn't kick in until he was 28, Corbin is now 29. So, at most, two years.

Corbin has back to back good years that are comparable to Strasburg's 2016 and 2017 campaigns. And Corbin has been healthy the last three years.

Lastly, Corbin doesn't rely on velocity to be great. Strasburg clearly does.

Both are comparable at this point in their career. I would expect Corbin to get 20 million AAV over 5 years.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

Strasburg's contract extension didn't kick in until he was 28, Corbin is now 29. So, at most, two years.

Corbin has back to back good years that are comparable to Strasburg's 2016 and 2017 campaigns. And Corbin has been healthy the last three years.

Lastly, Corbin doesn't rely on velocity to be great. Strasburg clearly does.

Both are comparable at this point in their career. I would expect Corbin to get 20 million AAV over 5 years.

Stras has excellent curveballs and changeups.  And why is it certain his velo is soon to decline? 

[hotshot]

I'm among those who think Bryce moving on would be beneficial to all concerned.

Making what he has made and will make, if he wants a luxe lifestyle, DC and environs can't compete with LA-SD-SF, Miami, or NY. I get the idea though that Bryce, at heart, is not that type of guy. I think just about any area of the country would satisfy him. Given that he loves Davey, he and his wife are already settled here ... I would not bet against his re-signing with the Nats.

[CoryTheFormerExposFan]

You're referring collectively to those of us here who'd rather see him move on, and characterizing that sentiment as hate.  That group includes but certainly isn't limited to me. And I'm asking you why you characterize that as hate.

Do you read this board?  Ok, you may not literally hate him like you would hate the guy who sleeps with your wife or something.  But it's clear the overall sentiment towards him is negative, which is very odd for a superstar player who has done nothing really wrong as a human being. 

[Slateman]

Stras has excellent curveballs and changeups.  And why is it certain his velo is soon to decline? 

Because it currently is.

[UMDNats]

So the guy who operates the music at the game has scooped everybody else?

They played his big interview on the big screen, played his home run derby highlights and he'll be removed from the game early. certainly seems like a farewell.

[natswinws]

I think it's a lock he'll be on the dodgers next season. They need him. they already tried to trade for him, they have the money and it's not far from Las Vegas.

[imref]

I think it's a lock he'll be on the dodgers next season. They need him. they already tried to trade for him, they have the money and it's not far from Las Vegas.

There are reports the Phillies want him and machado. 

[Slateman]

There are reports the Phillies want him and machado. 

The Phillies want anyone who can hit and bullpen help.

[Nick the Pig]

The Phillies want anyone who can hit and bullpen help.

Philadelphia wants anything they can get after the nation's capitol was moved from there to DC...

[DCFan]

"This is my city"

Bryce in a WTOP.com headline.

[PowerBoater69]

"This is my city"

Bryce in a WTOP.com headline.

Asking $540 million says freak you pay me.

[Natsinpwc]

"This is my city"

BORAS in a WTOP.com headline.

And let the bidding begin!  Lots of speeches and quotes to make up other team go higher. Can’t blame them at all. Get it while you can.

[spidernat]

"This is my city"

Bryce in a WTOP.com headline.

[nfotiu]

I think it's a lock he'll be on the dodgers next season. They need him. they already tried to trade for him, they have the money and it's not far from Las Vegas.

I wonder if the Dodgers really have money.   I don't think they are getting anywhere close to their rights fees with their messy tv deal.

[HalfSmokes]

I wonder if the Dodgers really have money.   I don't think they are getting anywhere close to their rights fees with their messy tv deal.

Why wouldn’t they get their money- it’s not their problem someone bid too much for the rights

[hotshot]

Do you read this board?  Ok, you may not literally hate him like you would hate the guy who sleeps with your wife or something.  But it's clear the overall sentiment towards him is negative, which is very odd for a superstar player who has done nothing really wrong as a human being.

I consider him still a potential superstar player. Winning a HR Derby doesn't hack it! This season was the first he has driven in 100 runs (and that's the "quietest" 100 RBIs you'll see, as reflected in the Nats record). As I've said, I can think of a number of current Nats I'd rather see at the plate in a crunch situation. His BA leaves a whole lot to be desired (to include sitting around .220 for half the season). 

[PowerBoater69]

@AlGaldi (1/2) Just talked @Nationals w/ @BNightengale on @Team980.  Said #BryceHarper & #Nats talked extension in Dec. 2016.  Bryce's price tag then was $540 million (!).  Ownership "was a little upset" & the two sides never got close on a deal.

[Natsinpwc]

I consider him still a potential superstar player. Winning a HR Derby doesn't hack it! This season was the first he has driven in 100 runs (and that's the "quietest" 100 RBIs you'll see, as reflected in the Nats record). As I've said, I can think of a number of current Nats I'd rather see at the plate in a crunch situation. His BA leaves a whole lot to be desired (to include sitting around .220 for half the season).

This.

He only put up superstar numbers one year. He has been very good.

He is not so great defensively and certainly not a CF. Still makes throws to wrong places. Argues ball and strike call unnecessarily. Makes dumb comments such as “Syracuse” and “Realmuto”. Doesn’t seem to be a team leader. Long slumps at the plate where he seems unable to adjust. This is not hate. Just facts and a viewpoint.

Is he worth $20-25 million. Yes. $30?  Maybe.

I originally thought he would go to one of the LA teams but not so sure. He may just be back in a a key term deal or with a two year option. Can bet on himself that way.

If he does come Back what do they do re: Eaton and Robles and Taylor?