Bryce Harper Rumors: Padres, White Sox Out Of Race? Free Agent Wants More Money Than Manny Machado

Manny Machado’s decision to join the San Diego Padres could be having a significant impact on the market for Bryce Harper. The star outfielder is looking to earn a contract bigger than the $300 million deal Machado has reportedly accepted, and that will likely limit the number of realistic contenders for MLB’s top free agent.

Harper has reportedly turned down multiple $300 million offers. That isn’t a surprise, considering he’s been expected to make more money than Machado and is looking for a record-setting offer.

The Chicago White Sox had been heavily pursuing Machado, but they were unwilling to give him $300 million guaranteed. According to Fancred’s Jon Heyman, Chicago probably won’t meet that price for Harper, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has indicated that the White Sox are no longer pursuing the six-time All-Star.

Despite earlier reports that San Diego might want to pair both star players in the same lineup, Nightingale has reported that the Padres won’t chase Harper any further after signing Machado.

That leaves the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals in contention for the 26-year-old.

Philadelphia has indicated that they might blow away any other offers in their attempt to sign a superstar. There are rumors that the Phillies will eventually sign Harper for more than the $325 million Giancarlo Stanton received in his historic deal a few years ago.

Harper reportedly turned down a 10-year $300 million deal from Washington at the end of the regular season. There are conflicting reports regarding whether or not the Nationals will be given a final chance to match Harper’s best offer.

San Francisco is still pursuing Harper, possibly indicating that they will present him with more than just a short-term contract. It’s become clear that a four or five-year deal, even with a historic average yearly salary, won’t get the job done.