Bryce Harper Rumors: Giants Hoping To Sign Free Agent, Despite Reports He Won't Take Short Contract

The optimism regarding the San Francisco Giants’ chances of landing Bryce Harper seems to have greatly lessened over the last 24 hours. After rumors grew stronger over the weekend that the outfielder might head to the Bay Area—the Giants even became the betting favorites to acquire MLB’s top free agent—several reports noted that Harper wouldn’t settle for a short-term contract, which is what San Francisco is reportedly offering.

That hasn’t ended the team’s pursuit of Harper. When the Giants signed outfielder Gerardo Parra to a minor-league contract Tuesday, a source indicated to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi that San Francisco did it with Harper still in their plans.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has reported that Harper is intrigued by the idea of playing for the Giants and staying near his hometown of Las Vegas, and he noted that the race for the six-time All-Star might be down to San Francisco and the Philadelphia Phillies.

It’s possible that Philadelphia’s offer might not be worth much more than the contract that San Francisco presents to Harper, though that’s not the expectation. The Phillies have money to spend, and most signs are pointing toward Philadelphia making Harper an offer that is close to 10 years.

The Washington Nationals reportedly offered Harper a 10-year, $300 million contract at the end of the season. It’s unknown where the two sides stand with each other months later, though there are rumors that Harper won’t return to his old team.

Perhaps the Giants will decide to increase their offer to Harper in order to get a deal done. It was only a year ago that San Francisco tried to trade for Giancarlo Stanton, who owns the largest contract in MLB history.

Harper is looking to earn more than the $325 million that Stanton signed for in 2014.