Super Agent Scott Boras Talks About Bryce Harper, Won’t Talk About Cubs Finances

Today, super agent Scott Boras held his annual Winter Meetings address, and it was a site to behold.

Does any other non-player draw a crowd like this:

As expected, Boras was fairly cryptic throughout the event, but we were able to glean a little bit of information with respect to Bryce Harper from his comments. For example, the one everyone is talking about: “This is not a race where every car is labeled.” Obviously, you would expect any player’s agent to say something like that, because the promise of mystery teams usually skates alongside rising prices. But in this case, it feels like it could be more accurate than usual. After all, even the teams we more or less *know* to be interested in Harper, are, like, also “not”:

  • Phillies: Were in before, but just signed Andrew McCutchen and prefer Manny Machado.
  • Nationals: Were in before, but signed Patrick Corbin to a massive deal and ownership has since shied away from saying an offer is still on the table.
  • Yankees: Very adamant that they do not want *any* outfielder, and prefer Manny Machado (though Boras wasn’t ready to rule them out).
  • Cubs: Literally have no money (or something like that).
  • White Sox: Want a seat at the table, but also like Machado and don’t consider themselves favorites for either.
  • Dodgers: Have become more interested lately, but seem determined to shed some salary and/or outfielders before making such a move.
  • I could argue that none of those race cars has an obvious label on them, aside from, perhaps, the White Sox, and we can guess that they’re probably not Harper’s first choice. But the real question is “Is anything getting close?”

    Well, Boras mentioned that they have “had meetings and conversations with clubs,” but added that they could be just a few meetings away from a finale … or a few weeks, which obviously doesn’t help much, but is par for the course with respect to Boras.

    He did go on to say that both he and Harper have met with every team they need to by now, adding only that they’re in the process of negotiating with the teams that are actually in. Unfortunately, he didn’t mention who those teams were, but that’s not particularly surprising, either. If this is all true, mind you, you could guess that those teams listed above are the likely finalists (for now). But, again, Boras loves to play things slowly, because he knows things can change.

    All of which leads into one of the strangest comments of the day:

    On the surface, those unfamiliar with Boras might not find anything odd with that statement. Those who’ve been here before, however, are going to be rightly confused. This is far from the first time Boras has gotten that sort of question before. In fact, it happens all the time about all kinds of teams. And you know what he almost always says? Who, Team X? They have TONS of money to spend and should be spending it on my free agent and lots of other free agents this winter! Basically, every time. Usually, he wraps it in some kind of barely-accessible metaphor. So his silence here was … well it was observed by us and relayed to you. That’s all I can really conjure, because it’s odd.

    As for the pitches, themselves, Boras said that Harper will not be making individual team meetings, but instead has met with clubs in Vegas or Boras’ offices in L.A. That’s sure to keep things especially quiet and does vibe with his sneaky as a “submarine” comments from earlier this winter. He also said that Harper has received information regarding every team’s minor league system, presumably to better understand each team’s future outlook. The Cubs’ Minor League system probably wouldn’t match up to most in a report like that, but they do have a core of young players at the big league level that everyone knows about. I wouldn’t be too concerned about Harper *not* choosing the Cubs *because* of their farm system.

    There was also this, but I have no idea what it means (or if it was just part of a joke or something):

    So there you have it: Boras and Harper know who’s in play and who’s not, they have met with everyone they need to by now (though we may not know everyone involved), there’ll be no individual team visits, Harper is receiving Minor League info on each team, and they’re willing to wait weeks to iron this thing out. Oh, and he has “no comment” regarding the Cubs finances. For whatever reason.

    written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

    more cubs news

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    *SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...

    The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

    I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...

    Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

    ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....

    The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

    You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...

    Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

    Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

    The 2024 Chicago Cubs for Dummies

    Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...

    I’m Expecting More This Year, Cubs — It’s Time to Start Winning

    There's no way around it: The Chicago Cubs did *not* have the offseason we hoped they might after making Craig Counsell the highest paid manager in MLB history. Not that they did poorly, mind you. Cody Bellinger, Shota Imanaga, and...

    Latest News

    Diamondbacks vs. Rockies: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In their season opener on Friday, Corbin Carroll and the Arizona Diamondbacks take on Nolan Jones and the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at Chase Field.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Colorado...

    Guardians vs. Athletics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Logan Allen will take the mound for the Cleveland Guardians when they square off against starter Ross Stripling and the Oakland Athletics in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 9:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the...

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

    In their season opener on Friday, Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners play Rafael Devers and the Boston Red Sox, with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at T-Mobile Park.Keep reading to see how to watch the Seattle-Boston matchup...

    Padres vs. Giants: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The San Francisco Giants (0-1), led by Jorge Soler, visit Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (2-1) at 9:40 PM ET on Friday.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

    How to Watch Dodgers vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

    The St. Louis Cardinals (0-1), led by Paul Goldschmidt, visit Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2-1) at 10:10 PM ET on Friday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Los Angeles take on St. Louis.When...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...

    Astros vs. Yankees: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Friday, the New York Yankees (1-0) play Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (0-1), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET at Minute Maid Park.The article below will provide you with everything you need to know to watch...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    At Tropicana Field on Friday, Aaron Civale versus Chris Bassitt will be the pitching matchup when the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) play the Toronto Blue Jays (1-0), starting at 6:50 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...

    more cubs news