MLB Rumors: Padres Not Signing Bryce Harper After Manny Machado Deal
The first of the big name free-agents is reportedly off the market as All-Star Manny Machado is reportedly off the market.
The third baseman is headed to the Padres after agreeing to a 10-year, $300 million deal with San Diego.
Now all eyes are turned to Bryce Harper who is still unsigned despite being the other biggest name on the market.
With spring training underway and the regular season beginning in about four weeks, teams are still assembling their rosters with quality free agents still waiting to ink deals.
Here are all the latest rumors and news around baseball:
• The Nationals do not plan to offer Harper a mega deal similar to Manny Machado's 10-year, $300 million with the Padres. Washington reportedly made an offer like that late last season, but roughly $100 million of it would have been deferred money. The Phillies met with Harper's agent, Scott Boras, in person in Florida last week and they have talked since. (MLB.com)
• The Tigers have agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent infielder Josh Harrison, pending a physical. Harrison is expected to be Detroit's everyday second baseman. (Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic)
• The Giants are "trying hard" to land Harper but "aren't necessarily overly optimistic." (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• Bryce Harper reportedly turned down multiple offers worth over $300 million in recent weeks. Five teams are still believed to be in contact with the free agent. The Giants, Phillies and Nationals appear to have more chances of signing Harper over the White Sox or Padres. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• A high-ranking Padres official says that the team will not sign Bryce Harper after agreeing with Machado on his mega-deal. (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)
• The White Sox are out of the Harper sweepstakes but still intend to make some improvements to their team after Machado chose to sign with the Padres. (Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports)
• The Red Sox have talked extension with pitcher Chris Sale and shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Both players are eligible for free agency after this season. (Pete Abraham, Boston Globe)
• The Mariners are among teams interested in free-agent catcher Martin Maldonado. (Jon Heyman, Fancred)
• Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett says he is frustrated with the lack of contract extension talks with the team. (John Fay, Cincinnati Enquirer)
• Mike Trout and the Angels have engaged in internal discussions regarding a potential contract extension. (Associated Press)
