Bryce Harper could be in line for an extension. While Harper’s $330 million, 13-year contract was a record at the time, it is widely seen now as a bargain.
Agent Scott Boras said on The Post podcast “The Show” that he may have mentioned to Harper “six different times” during negotiations that eschewing an opt-out clause was “not the economic way to do this” but also said Harper made an “informed decision” and insisted on showing the sort of commitment and love for the Phillies that would help him recruit, which he did successfully with Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner. Boras then suggested on the podcast that an extension could make sense now, even with eight years to go. (Phillies baseball president Dave Dombrowski declined comment.)
Ex-Met Marcus Stroman has a close call but may just opt in to remain a Cub for $21M in 2024.
Ex-Met Seth Lugo is turning down his $7.5M player option to become a free agent.
Eduardo Rodriguez is opting out with $49M and three years to go.
Josh Bell looks likely to opt out with $16.25M to go.
Noah Syndergaard is aiming for a comeback, and an MLB deal.
Under-the-radar power hitter in poor market for him: Adam Duvall, who had 21 home runs in 92 games and his career-best OPS plus (119).
The Pirates tried earlier in the year for an extension for ace Mitch Keller (13-9, 4.21 ERA, 210 Ks). Word is they offered $50M-plus. The price surely is up now.
The qualifying offer is up again, to $20.325M.
Yankees could make a couple personnel changes, but manager Aaron Boone and pitching coach Matt Blake appear safe.
The Yankees are still working on how big they want their changes to be. Thus, nothing’s been announced yet. Captain and Robert Clemente Award winner Aaron Judge appeared to vote “big” on changes.
