Phillies rumors: “Momentum” gaining towards a Bryce Harper deal
Phillies rumors surrounding Bryce Harper are picking up
The latest Phillies rumors now suggest there is “momentum” and “traction” between the Phillies and Bryce Harper, according to league insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic.
Bowden, the former general manager of the Nationals and Reds, said on CBS Sports HQ he sees Harper going either back to Washington or to Philadelphia, but that Philly is the leader in the clubhouse.
“I keep hearing there’s a lot of momentum and traction here on [Bryce Harper] going and signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. He could be rounding third and heading home shortly.”
Bowden adds that the two parties are “pretty well down the process” which suggests they are getting closer on a number and the logistics of a potential deal.
Despite teams like the Giants and Dodgers floating short-term deals Harper’s way, Bowden said Harper still expects to receive a 10-year deal worth at least $300 million.
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Earlier this week Bob Nightengale of USA Today said the race is down to two teams, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Bowden’s report that the Giants only offered a short-term deal suggests the Giants could be out of the race.
Harper could potentially be the final fish in what’s been a very productive offseason for general manager Matt Klentak. The additions of J.T. Realmuto, Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen, and David Robertson has propelled Philadelphia into not just division title talks, but championship murmurs.
According to OddsShark, the Phillies are tied with Milwaukee with the sixth-best odds to win the World Series behind the Astros, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox at +1200.
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Adding Harper would likely send the Phillies into the top-five odds to win a championship, and capping the offseason off with the addition of another pitcher (Dallas Keuchel, Craig Kimbrel) could make them the favorites in the National Leauge.