MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper, Phillies Talks 'Intensify', Other Teams in Mix
Manny Machado and Bryce Harper remain unsigned as players report to their respective clubs for spring training. The wait for two of MLB's biggest stars to make their decision continues to inch closer and closer to the start of the regular season.
In the meantime, teams are beginning to establish their foundation for the upcoming campaign, with a few adding veteran presences to their clubhouse.
Here are all the latest rumors and news around baseball:
• Talks surrounding star free agent outfielder Bryce Harper are "heating up." The Philadelphia Phillies are favorites to land Harper. He is expected to agree to a long-term deal. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• Manny Machado is expected to take top dollar on the free-agent market despite rumors he prefers to play on the East coast. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• The Phillies are still talking with both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• In addition to the Phillies, other teams interested in pursuing Harper haven't been told they're out of the running. Teams considered in the mix include the Padres, Nationals, Giants and White Sox, along with multiple mystery teams. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• Rival agents believe Bryce Harper will receive a contract worth more than $300 million and Manny Machado will receive something within the range fo $225 million and $250 million. (Buster Olney, ESPN)
• Mike Moustakas and the Brewers agreed to a one-year deal, pending a physical, which would see the third baseman return to Milwaukee next season. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
• The Blue Jays reportedly dispute pitcher Marcus Stroman's recent comments suggesting that he has not been offered a long-term contract by the club. (Rob Longley, Toronto Sun)
• Yankees manager Aaron Boone said his club will "flirt" with Aaron Judge hitting leadoff. (Joel Sherman, New York Post)
• The Mets signed shortstop Andy Hechavarria to a minor-league deal with an invite to major-league camp. (Tim Healey, Newsday)
• Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield took to Twitter to call out MLB for its business model. He specifically took issue with the Blue Jays reportedly planning to keep top prospect Vlad Guerrero Jr. at the Triple–A level so that he won't be able to accrue a full year of service time in 2019, pushing his arbitration and free-agency clock by a year. (Whit Merrifield via Twitter)
• Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is attempting to prepare as if he will be ready to play on Opening Day, however Los Angeles plans to have him back by May. (Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic)
• The Rangers signed outfielder Ben Revere to a minor-league contract with an invite to major-league spring training. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
