The Major League Baseball thread

[DemonGeminiX]

Don't take it! Tell them you want to go to Philly, Nolan!

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Looks like it's been tweaked a bit, but both sides have agreed in principal

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Nolan Arenado, Rockies Finalizing Historic 8-Year, $260M Contract
Bleacher Report


Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado will reportedly be paid a record-breaking amount before he even hits free agency.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the National League West team is finalizing an eight-year deal with an opt-out after three seasons that is worth more than $260 million. Bob Nightengale of USA Today also reported on the extension plans, noting it would replace the contract that's set to pay him $26 million this year and break Miguel Cabrera's record for annual salary for a position player ($31 million).

Passan provided additional details:



Arenado has been with the Rockies his entire six-year career and didn't seem in a hurry to leave, per Nightengale:

"It's such a great place. I really enjoy the fact there's a comfortability here. You know the coaches. You know the players. Some of my best friends are on this team.

"I grew up here in this organization, so it feels like home in a way. I've been here since the tide has changed, and that's a really good feeling. I was part of that change.

"You want to win in a place where you've been all of your life."

Locking down Arenado makes sense. He's the face of the franchise and is just 27 years old with plenty of time remaining in his prime. He is a four-time Silver Slugger, four-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glover, and is one of the league's best two-way players.

Colorado reached the playoffs the last two seasons in large part because of his presence.

Arenado has played at least 156 games in each of the last four years and averaged 40 home runs and 126 RBI per season in that span.

Signing this extension also allows him to avoid free agency, which has been slow to develop this offseason for notable names such as Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel. Each is still unsigned with spring training games underway.

[DemonGeminiX]

I'm disappointed in you, Nolan.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Additional reports are saying it includes a full no-trade clause as well.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

I'm disappointed in you, Nolan.

[DemonGeminiX]

He could have played with a real team.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

He could have played with a real team.

Like Boston?

[DemonGeminiX]

Shut yer mouth, boy!

[Teh One Who Knocks]

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Kyle Newport - Bleacher Report




The Philadelphia Phillies have been viewed as front-runners in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes for much of the offseason, but recent developments reportedly have them feeling uneasy about their chances of landing the prized free agent.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported Tuesday that Philadelphia's confidence was "dented a tad" as the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged as potential suitors this week. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, Phillies officials have "grown concerned" Harper would sign with Los Angeles if the Dodgers make a similar offer to theirs.

MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez tweeted Monday that Dodgers officials were spotted in Las Vegas, Harper's hometown, over the weekend. ESPN's Jeff Passan added Los Angeles got back in the mix two weeks ago and that the club is seeking a shorter-term deal.

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez previously reported Harper "badly wants to be a Dodger." Of note, Los Angeles traded outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp earlier this offseason, though the team signed center fielder A.J. Pollock to a long-term deal.

Heyman noted the Phillies are among the teams to have made a $300 million-plus offer for Harper. And 10 days ago, CBS Sports' Jim Bowden said he was hearing "there's a lot of momentum and traction" for a Harper-to-Philadelphia deal. That was before Phillies owner John Middleton's recent trip to Vegas.

Harper hit .249/.393/.496 last season with 34 home runs, 34 doubles and 100 RBI. For good measure, he also captured the Home Run Derby title in his home ballpark:

Just 26 years old, Harper has already earned six All-Star selections, the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, the 2015 NL MVP and the 2015 NL Silver Slugger.

Having played in the NL East the past seven years with the Washington Nationals, Harper has hit .268/.365/.564 with 14 home runs, five doubles, three triples and 32 RBI in 50 career games at Citizens Bank Park.

This offseason, the Phillies have added outfielder Andrew McCutchen (three years, $50 million), reliever David Robertson (two years, $23 million), shortstop Jean Segura (trade) and catcher J.T. Realmuto (trade).

On the other hand, the club missed out on pitcher Patrick Corbin (six years, $140 million with Washington) and third baseman Manny Machado (10 years, $300 million with the San Diego Padres).

Now, the Phillies find themselves in a bidding war for Harper's services. If they are going to complete a deal, they may need to be even more aggressive with their "stupid money."

[DemonGeminiX]

Walk away, John. If you've given him your best offer and he didn't bite, then forget him. Go get Keuchel and Kimbrel and another decent non-superstar bat and call it the off-season. Go for Trout in a season or two.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Now Bleacher Report is reporting rumors that the Giants have offered Harper a 10 year deal.

[DemonGeminiX]

If I could get away with shooting Boras in the face, I would.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

If I could get away with shooting Boras in the face, I would.

Yup, he is absolutely EVERYTHING that's wrong with baseball when it comes to free agency.

[DemonGeminiX]

He's the reason this fiasco is going on for so long. Any other agent and Harper would have signed with someone way before now.