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Scott Boras: MLB Owners Are Pursuing Bryce Harper's Legacy in Free-Agent Pitches

Paul Kasabian

Scott Boras, the agent of prized free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper and other superstars, spoke with reporters at the winter meetings in Las Vegas regarding his prized client.

"We've had a lot of meetings over the last three weeks," Boras said. "When you get to that point ... something can happen quickly, and then something can also happen in a matter of weeks. ... Bryce is open to a lot of different venues. It's really about what a lot of owners have said to him about their commitment."

According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Boras also made an interesting comment regarding owners' feelings regarding Harper's ability to be a franchise foundation.

"Owners are really after his legacy," Boras said. "They're after building a brand around him, a team around him. I just don't think there is an appetite from ownership for those types of things [short-term deal]. And everyone that wants Bryce wants to make sure he's going to be there a long time."

The 26-year-old Harper had 34 home runs and 100 RBI to go with a slash line of .249/.393/.496 last season. He's smacked 184 home runs over a seven-year stint with Washington and won the 2015 National League MVP.

Interest in Harper's services are naturally high. Tim Brown and Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reported on December 4 that there were "upward of a dozen teams that have traveled or plan to travel to Nevada to meet with Harper."

The Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees were among the teams the Yahoo duo mentioned, in addition to the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.

In recent days, a few of those teams have apparently cooled on their interest. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com and other reporters that Harper isn't a fit, while Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com said Harper "is not a target" for the Cardinals.

The Phillies and White Sox may have the edge right now.

The Phils are clearly going for gold in 2019, with the team acquiring outfielder Andrew McCutchen and shortstop Jean Segura in the offseason. Boras also said the Phils are "certainly" on Harper's list.

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak also said the team would be speaking with Harper and fellow free agent Manny Machado this week, so Philadelphia is putting its foot on the gas. 

Regarding Chicago, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the "possibility of a marriage with Harper seemingly is growing more realistic."

He did write that such a big deal would not be a "Jerry Reinsdorf-type move" given the owner's reticence to pay out fat contracts, but Rosenthal notes the White Sox have the financial flexibility to get a deal done.

Harper would be a more interesting fit in Philadelphia, as the team would instantly become a strong NL pennant contender.

However, the White Sox are a young team on the rise. If Chicago's prized talent develops and the front office can successfully build a team around Harper, then a return to the World Series in a few years isn't impossible to fathom.

   

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