Cubs Rumors: Here’s the latest on free agent Bryce Harper

Cubs Rumors: Harper reportedly balked at a deal with Nats

There’s no telling if Bryce Harper will wind up back with the Washington Nationals, but this week’s report regarding his former club isn’t exactly comforting for that team’s fans.

According to Joel Sherman, Washington made a 10-year, $300 million offer with no opt-outs. If you think that’s where the finish line is with this whole thing, Scott Boras has a message for you.

"“Offers come to you by the original club prior to free agency are merely olive-branch offers to let you know of great interest in the player and wanting to define a continued relationship with the player,” Boras said."

If $300 million is simply an ‘olive branch,’ this thing could get crazy in a hurry. Boras also pointed out that no player of this caliber has hit the open market at this age in recent memory – so paying $30 million annually and calling it a done deal is probably far-fetched.

Jon Heyman since noted the team’s offer is not on the table any longer – but, depending on how the market shapes up, you cannot rule out the Nats jumping back in on things.