Scott Boras: Bryce Has Already Decided, Deal Is Done
I’m not sure if you’ve seen this news come across, but Scott Boras was on The Michael Kay Show and might have dropped a bombshell! It appears that Bryce Harper and his agent Boras already knows the team he will sign with, and a deal is worked out.
Scott Boras (on Harper): "We know who the team is, it's already completed and done. But Bryce has told me he wanted to tell you personally, so I'm gonna let him do that" pic.twitter.com/0BZNsWQCsf
— District on Deck (@DistrictOnDeck) October 27, 2018
There are so many thoughts here. So let’s start breaking some down.
1. This is absolutely tampering
No team can negotiate with a player under contract until free agency period begins. So unless Harper has decided to stay in Washington, Boras has started a tampering case against anyone that signs him. So, this point here should cast doubt on Boras’ statement, and perhaps this was just a way to joke around since Michael Kay led the questioning in a jokingly manner.
2. It would have to be a team that didn’t have a long playoff run
This doesn’t necessarily mean much, since there were 26 teams that could of been free to negotiate. But, I just don’t see many teams having the bandwidth to worry about postseason play AND negotiate behind closed doors, with Boras, on a deal which would keep Harper from legitimately reaching free agency. Now, throwing this out there, people have certainly thought the Cubs have worked backdoor deals in the past, most notably the one that brought Joe Maddon to Chicago. So some precedent is there for the Cubs to of dealt in shady business.
3. This would have to be with a team he wants to join, badly
You don’t end what could have been a record-breaking free agency unless you really have strong feelings for the team you’re going to join. We know the love affair Harper has had with the Cubs. His friendship with Kris Bryant, naming his dog Wrigley, he had an interview which he said hit would be nice to play for them. But he has also talked about the New York Yankees in the past as well. He was a fan of the Yankees, and they have potentially the most money to spend this offseason. Also, The Michael Kay Show is broadcasted from NY, and is also on the YES Network. Maybe that, and the fact that Boras said he will let Harper tell them where he’s going, is something to read into. There is also his current team, the Washington Nationals. You don’t play somewhere, and be praised as much as he was, and not have a fondness for that town. He loves Washington, and this could be a sign that things might work out there.
4. How fast can he get to Chicago?
I’m only half joking, he is a fit here. The Cubs need to improve offensively, he’s the guy that can do that. Many have suggested a Cubs and Harper marriage is inevitable, let’s get this done.
5. This is likely a Scott Boras trick
Boras is the best in the business when it comes to getting his players the most money. While last season may have proven otherwise, perhaps this is a new tactic Boras is trying to use to get Harper the most money he can? Maybe there’s been behind closed doors conversations and teams just aren’t willing to pony up $35-$40 million a season for one guy? The Yankees might be the most poised to do this, but have a couple corner outfielders that mash already (they could tuck one away as a DH) and the Philadelphia Phillies certainly have salary room. But maybe this is a way to get more involved?
Whatever happens, I personally doubt a deal is done. Unless he’s returning to Washington or if he’s told Boras to strictly negotiate with one team. I don’t know if a GM would be this ignorant to tampering rules. I don’t think Harper signs Boras to not provide him the best representation, and deal. Things are fishy.
