Washington Nationals News: Bryce Harper on $400M contract: ‘Don’t sell me short’
By Pablo Roa
Today’s District Daily discusses some interesting comments from Bryce Harper and the possibility of Ian Desmond returning to the Washington Nationals in 2016.
Good afternoon DoD readers, and welcome to today’s District Daily. Get caught up on the latest Nats news and opinions with some great Washington Nationals articles from around the web below.
In today’s Daily, MLB.com’s Jamal Collier discusses some interesting comments made by Nationals superstar Bryce Harper. In his article, Collier writes about some remarks Harper made on 106.7 FM The Fan the fan yesterday morning about multiple topics — including his future with the Nationals.
One of the things Harper talked about, unsurprisingly, was his not-s0-impending free agency. Harper was asked about the possibility of signing a record-breaking, $400 million deal once he becomes a free agent. His response? Well, it looks like $400 million might not be enough.
Here’s some of what Harper had to say:
"“I don’t really think about that stuff,” Harper said. “I just try to play the years out and do everything I can to help my team win. But don’t sell me short. That’s what you’re doing right now to me, so don’t do that.”"
While Harper is still a few years away from free agency, it’s never too early to start thinking about how much the Nationals will have to offer him to even stand a chance of keeping the NL MVP in the nation’s capital. And when Harper says that $400 million could be selling him short, he’s right.
If Harper maintains his production from last season or starts playing even better over the next few years, there’s little doubt he can wind up with the richest contract in the history of baseball. Nationals fans can only hope that the team has the financial wherewithal to offer the money Harper wants and deserves.
Also in today’s Daily, CBS DC’s Chris Lingebach explores the possibility of Ian Desmond returning to the Nationals in 2016. As Lingebach notes, Desmond remains unsigned this offseason after a rough 2015 campaign. As Lingebach notes, one possibility for Desmond could be to return to the Nationals on a low-risk, high-reward 1-year deal.
Be sure to check out both articles below, they’re definitely worth a read. And as always, stay tuned to DoD for all your Washington Nationals needs.
$400M contract? Harper: ‘Don’t sell me short’
As numerous record-breaking deals were handed out to free agents this offseason, speculation quickly shifted to Bryce Harper‘s possible free agency after the 2018 season. More specifically, how much money could Harper, the reigning National League Most Valuable Player, potentially earn if he reaches free agency at the prime age of 26?
Harper gave his thoughts when asked about a potential $400 million contract on Friday, telling Washington D.C.’s 106.7 FM The Fan, “don’t sell me short” on his next big contract.
“I don’t really think about that stuff,” Harper said during the interview. “I just try to play the years out and do everything I can to help my team win. But don’t sell me short. That’s what you’re doing right now to me, so don’t do that.” Read full article here.
Could Ian Desmond Somehow End Up Back in Washington?
WASHINGTON — It’s been a humbling offseason for free agent shortstop Ian Desmond.
While the 30-year-old former National hopes to still sign a long-term deal, and has gotten bites from several teams, he remains unsigned less than two weeks out from the start of spring training.
It’s been several years since Desmond reportedly turned down an extension offer from the Nats which would have paid him an additional $89.5 million through 2020. That offer came after the 2013 season; his production has continued a downward trend since. Read full article here.