This is starting to get awkward.
We’re just a couple of weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, and the two biggest names on the free agent market still haven’t signed a contract.
Maybe it’s because Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are asking for too much money. Maybe it’s because franchises no longer want to dole out the 10-year deals they seek. Maybe it’s because the two 26-year-olds haven’t been as consistently productive as their contact demands warrant.
Maybe it’s all of the above.
Whatever the case, it’s crazy to think that two stars entering their primes can’t seem to find a home.
Given their age and previous production, we’re talking about players who, at minimum, have four or five all-star seasons left in their careers. History suggests there’s .
So, the question is, why aren’t there a handful of teams throwing creative offers their way?
It’s hard to imagine Rockies brass has given it much thought, what with their own troubles locking down Nolan Arenado. But what would be the risk in the Rox throwing a big money, two-year deal at one of them and seeing what happens? (Assuming they haven’t already.)
With Arenado and Trevor Story taking up the left side of the infield, it probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to go after Machado. But the Rox could easily make space for Harper in right field.
It’s been reported that Harper already has a on the table from the Washington Nationals. If that’s the case, the Rockies would be absolutely crazy to match.
If it’s not, and Harper isn’t able to find a long-term offer to his liking, float something out there. Something like two years, $60 million. See what Harper has to say.
That’s some pretty hot cheese for two seasons, and Harper could re-enter free agency as a 28-year-old after presumably taking advantage of Coors Field’s hitter friendly confines.
On the other side of the equation, the Rockies could add some serious star power to the marquee — something that might even take a few eyes away from Broncos Stadium. And who knows? Maybe it even helps convince Arenado to stick around a little longer.
Of course, it’s extremely likely Harper would never consider such a deal. As Patrick Saunders suggested in his Sunday column, this offseason could be about players standing shoulder-to-shoulder and holding the line opposite a group of owners they suspect might be colluding.
Still, it never hurts to ask.
What’s the worst that can happen?
— , The Denver Post
Updated Jan. 28, 2016 at 2:15 p.m. The following corrected information has been added to this article: The ages of Manny Machado and Bryce Harper have been corrected to reflect that they are both 26 years old, not 25 as originally stated.
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What’s on Tap?
- Nuggets: at Memphis Grizzlies, 6 p.m. Monday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NFL: AFC 26, NFC 7
Full story |
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Must-Read
Kiszla: Itap a blasted shame Broncos safety Steve Atwater isn’t already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Hey, we all know: The Pro Football Hall of Fame doesn’t like Denver Broncos or guys who played safety. So there are two strikes against Steve Atwater, who should have been fitted for a gold jacket in Canton, Ohio, a long time ago. Read more…
Saunders: Nolan Arenado’s $30 million bid contract is a line in the sand
If it were just a few years ago, Nolan Arenado and the Rockies would have already put a bow on his contract. Instead, the possibility looms that the two sides will head to arbitrationnext month to settle matters as the All-Star third baseman enters what could be his final season in Colorado. Read more…
How Malik Beasley, and not Jamal Murray, became Nuggets’ deadliest weapon from downtown
In hindsight, the Nuggets’ deadliest 3-point shooting stroke was the mother of all inside jobs. It started in the summer, between Malik Beasley’s ears. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ As one might suspect, Nikola Jokic came back from his one-game suspension with a fury Saturday night against Philly.
+ Avalanche teammates Mikko Rantanen and Gabe Landeskog combined for eight goals and five assists in their two games in Saturday nightap NHL All-Star tournament.
+ Kickin’ it with Kiz: Why the Broncos won’t enter 21st century and draft Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray.
+ Phillip Lindsay at the Pro Bowl: Spectator this year, participant next year.
+ For Broncos long snapper Casey Kreiter, Pro Bowl Week was an “amazing” experience.
+ Kyle Freeland, a centerpiece of the Rockies’ lofty postseason ambitions, is embracing a workhorse mentality heading into the 2019 season.
+ On the Rox podcast: Patrick Saunders and Kyle Newman analyze the latest on Nolan Arenado’s contract situation.
+ On the Rox podcast, Part Deux: Patrick Saunders and Kyle Newman break down the Rockies’ bullpen.
+ The CU Buffs’ hopes of a Bay Area sweep were dashed at Stanford on Saturday. And now the post opportunities are adding up.
+ The current trend in the NFL: Younger and cheaper.
+ The offensive lines have been key .
+ The New England Patriots have the Super Bowl send-off routine down pat.
+ What we learned at the Australian Open.
+ Longtime San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magowan died Sunday after a battle with cancer.
+ Top-ranked Justin Rose claimed his 10th PGA Tour victory with a win at Torrey Pines.
+ Nathan Chen won his third straight U.S. men’s figure skating title with ease.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
61
Easy as 1, 2, 3: Hat tricks on the rise in NHL this season
Around the NHL, there have been 61 hat tricks through the first 770 games of the season — the most since 1995-96 (62), according to research by the NHL stats and information department. Read more…
Parting Shot
Q & A with apB Chris Harris: Looking forward to “breath of fresh air” with new staff
Cornerback Chris Harris is the ideal person to ask about the state of the Broncos. With the organization for eight years, Harris is arguably the best slot corner in the NFL and will be a big part of coach Vic Fangio’s building project. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
