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So, the Winter Meetings begin Sunday in Las Vegas and the biggest question of the offseason has yet to be answered. Who’s going to sign Bryce Harper? Although you can’t ever count out Theo Epstein, he’s even said that the front office would have to get creative in order to make a huge move in free agency. It’s not looking too great on the whole Harper to the Cubs conversation, but there is at least one national MLB analyst who still believes the Cubs will sign Harper.
I do have to preface this by pointing out that Dan Plesac is a bit of a Cubs homer. Anyway, he was on Inside The Clubhouse Saturday morning on 670 The Score and during his conversation with Bruce Levine, Plesac made a bold prediction.
Despite all the reports that indicate it’ll be extremely difficult for the Cubs to go out and sign a top free agent, Plesac still thinks they’re getting Harper.
I just heard @Plesac19 predict on “Inside The Clubhouse” @670TheScore that the Cubs would sign Bryce Harper. Said it would come down to Cubs, Phillies. Bold prediction from respected, plugged-in MLB Net guy. I’d be stunned though if he’s right. Great interview.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) December 8, 2018
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Obviously that’s just an opinion, but really that’s all we’ve really had so far this offseason on Harper: opinions.
Here are some of the things that have been reported besides the Cubs needing to “get creative” in order to make a move for Harper. The Phillies are prepared to make big offers for Harper and Manny Machado. A few teams have already met, or are planning to meet with Harper and his agent Scott Boras in Las Vegas this upcoming week. That includes the White Sox, who sent Jim Thome to meet with Harper back in November.
Still, no one knows and there hasn’t been any real reports that indicate where Harper is leaning towards in free agency. All we have for now is speculation on who’s considered to be favorites.
Top 3 teams in the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes according to @kurkjian_ESPN
1. Phillies
2. Dodgers
3. White Sox— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) December 7, 2018
This isn’t ground breaking analysis, but I think we can all agree that whoever offers Bryce Harper the most money will be the team that ends up signing him.
For the Cubs to do that they’d have to make a few other moves if all the reports of the financial constraints are true this offseason.
The next week will certainly be interesting.
