Bryce Harper Rumors: Where The San Francisco Giants Stand In Pursuit Of MLB's Top Free Agent

There has been some debate regarding the chances that Bryce Harper might sign with the San Francisco Giants. The organization is serious about their pursuit of MLB’s top free agent, but all reports indicate that they aren’t prepared to meet the outfielder’s desired contract.

Harper has been seeking a contract worth more than the record-setting $325 million deal Giancarlo Stanton signed in 2014. Such a contract would likely last for at least 10 years. The Giants are hoping to land Harper with a short-term deal, though possibly with a higher yearly average salary.

MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand said on MLB Network Wednesday morning that the Giants don’t appear to be in the mix to offer Harper a long-term deal.

Manny Machado’s agreement with the San Diego Padres might have only strengthened the belief that Harper will make history. After weeks of speculation that no team would meet Machado’s demands, the infielder received $300 million guaranteed over 10 years.

Since most MLB insiders have projected Harper to get more money than Machado, the 26-year-old might be even more determined to become the highest-paid player in baseball.

However, rumors persist that San Francisco is a realistic option for Harper. It wasn’t long ago that USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said the race for the six-time All-Star would come down to the Giants and Philadelphia Phillies. Following the Machado signing, sny.tv’s Andy Martino has indicated that could still be the case.

San Diego is likely out of the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes after giving Machado the biggest free-agent contract of all time. The Chicago White Sox had been pursuing both players, but it’s unclear what they are willing to offer Harper. Machado was their No.1 target, and Chicago wasn’t prepared to give him $300 million guaranteed.

The Washington Nationals could still be an option for Harper. It’s unknown if the reported 10-year, $300 million offer that Harper rejected a few months ago is still on the table. That contract reportedly included a lot of deferred money.

The race for Harper could be ultimately decided by Philadelphia’s willingness to overpay him. The Phillies have admitted they might be “stupid” about spending money, and it’s hard to believe Harper would actually turn down more than $325 million.

Scott Boras’ clients rarely leave money on the table, and Harper reportedly doesn’t plan to re-enter free agency in a few years.

But it’s been a whole day since Machado went off the market, and Harper hasn’t yet signed with the Phillies. That, along with rumors that Philadelphia is far from his first choice, at least gives Giants’ fans hope that they are still in play for the superstar.