February 21, 2019
A few hours after we here at the PhillyVoice wrote about a potential theory for a course of action for the Phillies that did not involve signing Bryce Harper, but did involve making the team perhaps just as good this year, MLB insider Jon Heyman confirmed that Philadelphia's front office was thinking the same way we were:
Phillies' total focus right now is on bryce harper. after harper signs (either with them or elsewhere), philly will consider dallas keuchel and/or craig kimbrel. one person thought keuchel's more likely since the pen is solid with robertson is aboard, but it could be either guy.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 21, 2019
Indeed, the free agency saga is still nowhere near ending for the Phillies, as they seem intent on spending more cash regardless — even as they prepare to play in their first spring training game Friday against the Rays.
Both Kimbrel and Keuchel would add veteran leadership and excellent pitching pedigree to the Phillies already improved line up. But reports make it seem like the pursuit of those and other free agents hasn't even begin yet as Harper continues to take all the oxygen this offseason.
Information continues to, pretty much, be recycled over and over again by those in the know. Here are the latest nuggets of information, all of which was known to the general baseball following public for the last few months:
Bryce Harper is believed to have turned down multiple offers over 300M in recent weeks. at least 5 teams are believed still in contact, tho Philly, SF and perhaps Wash appear to have more chance than SD (just gave 300M to Manny) and CWS (seemed more focused on MM)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2019
The #SFGiants are telling people they are trying hard for Harper (this likely debunks the short-term theory for them, as it’s known Harper isn’t signing short-term deal). However, people who have spoken to SF brass said they aren’t necessarily overly optimistic.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 20, 2019
So the same teams are involved who have been all along, offering the same amount of money we thought they would offer months ago, and even though Manny Machado has left the stage after inking a $300 million pact with San Diego, there really is no sign of things changing on the Harper front if no one is willing to leap to a $400 million contract offer.
Be the first to see another piece of regurgitated information passed along as breaking news with our daily live stream/open thread for MLB's free agency below:
Follow Evan on Twitter:@evan_macy
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports
