3. Washington Nationals

Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like the Nationals were going to bid Harper a fond farewell. Since then, reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated. Leaks of a five-hour meeting the Saturday before Christmas between Harper and Nats owner Ted Lerner have altered that tune. In fact, some experts are giving Washington a 70 percent chance to land the outfielder.

Interesting tidbit: I heard from someone close to the discussions that there’s a “70% chance [Bryce] Harper goes back to the Nationals.” Nats owner Ted Lerner “wants a ring and doesn’t care about spending money.”

— Dan Federico (@DanJFederico) January 4, 2019

More so, the initial reports of a lowball offer from the Nationals has turned out to be just the first of at least two extended to Harper, one that was quite lucrative.

Nationals Latest Offer To Bryce Harper Reportedly "Much More" Than $300MM https://t.co/abfwAkIH5M pic.twitter.com/F2yaMPu3z7

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) January 4, 2019

Perhaps this hubbub is all for naught. Maybe Harper just wanted to test free agency, experience the wining and dining (probably bottled water for Harper, since he doesn’t drink), before heading back to the team that drafted him and his brother Bryan. What used to seem like a bittersweet goodbye may actually become a heroic return to D.C. for its Julius Caesar. Beware the Ides of March, Nats fans.