Phillies rumors: Bryce Harper to the Giants gaining traction
By John Town
As Bryce Harper’s free agency drags on, the idea of him signing with the Giants over the Phillies is gaining some traction.
For most of Bryce Harper‘s free agency, the Phillies have been viewed as one of, if not the favorite to sign him. However, as things drag on, more teams are joining the fray, with the Giants becoming the latest to do so. They have appeared to make some serious inroads into negotiations, with reports of a formal offer coming out.
The Giants met with Harper last Monday per John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle. In addition, the meeting lasted twice as long as expected, lasting four hours according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
Reports that the Giants were going to announce the signing at their FanFest Saturday circulated but were unfounded. Still, the club confirmed they were interested in signing him, offering high praise for the 26-year-old.
More from Phillies Rumors
- Phillies rumors: Club targets Seth Lugo for possible bullpen role
- Could Phillies sign 2nd former Mets starting pitcher in same offseason?
- Phillies rumor: Dansby Swanson could be club’s alternative to Trea Turner
- Rob Thomson apology hints possible Phillies blockbuster signing
- Phillies rumors: Club likely to land top shortstop on free-agent market
In fact, the Giants will reportedly make Harper a short-term, high-money offer according to Nightengale. He doesn’t dive into specifics on the potential offer but they could be offering something close to, if not above $40 million per season to offset the lack of years.
Nightengale noted that one executive believes Harper will ultimately sign with San Francisco.
Vegas agrees with this as the Giants are now the betting favorite to land Harper at 1:1 odds according to Bet Online. Philadelphia now has the third-best odds at 5:2.
There are factors that support and refute the idea of Harper signing with the Giants. On one hand, San Francisco and Arizona remain close to Harper’s hometown of Las Vegas. Harper has effused his praise for San Francisco in the past.
More from That Balls Outta Here
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
- 11 Free-agent deals the Philadelphia Phillies wish fell through
On the other hand, whatever the Giants offer Harper won’t come close to what he is looking for. He is still looking to eclipse Giancarlo Stanton‘s $325 million record contract, which the Giants won’t come close to. The city’s high cost of living and California’s taxes only put a further dent into the money he would be making.
The Giants projected 2019 payroll for luxury tax purposes stands just under $173 million according to Spotrac, only giving them about $33 million before they hit the luxury tax. They would have to go well into the tax to pay Harper this year on a short-term deal and would still have a significant payroll in 2020.
Next. The defensive impact of the J.T. Realmuto trade. dark
The Giants have now become the sexy pick to land Bryce Harper yet, but the money may not be enough to sway him.