CARLSBAD, Calif. — Scott Boras described Bryce Harper as “a generational player” and termed the Nationals’ 10-year, $300 million proposal prior to free agency an “olive branch” to emphasize interest in retaining the star outfielder.
In a conversation with The Post, Boras said in Harper’s time with the Nationals, the club’s value climbed more than four times, attendance increased by 600,000 and TV ratings tripled, and that his client had a substantial hand in those rises.
“They did not pay anywhere near [Harper’s] $400 million to $500 million in [true value],” Boras said. “This has been great value and is great value.”
Boras said he defines “generational player” as: 1. Hitting free agency young, and Harper only turned 26 in October. 2. Elite performance, and Boras particularly noted that Harper’s 1.109 OPS in his NL MVP 2015 was the only one of the 2010s over 1.100, and just Barry Bonds and Albert Pujols have reached that level in the last 16 seasons. 3. Iconic value, which has to do with an ability to market to increase attendance, TV ratings and franchise worth.
“He is just taking off at 25,” Boras said. “He has all these elite years left.”
The Nationals’ rejected offer came in late September, before Harper could officially declare for free agency. Boras said he saw comparisons to Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million pact and extensions done for Mike Trout and even the one he negotiated for Jose Altuve and feels “they have nothing to do with Bryce Harper” because all were done with years to go until free agency. They signed “in a non-rights market,” Boras said — one in which multiple teams could not bid on his services.
The Nats’ most recent bid was not, in Boras’ mind, their final attempt to retain his client.
“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.
Source: Read Full Article