The Giants’ approach to signing Bryce Harper appears to be different than most.
The team has no interest in the 10-year, $350 million offers that Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, reportedly is pursuing and instead is trying to land the superstar on a short-term deal. USA Today reports that the four-hour meeting last Monday between the team and outfielder was so productive that one baseball executive is predicting Harper will sign with San Francisco.
“There’s obviously mutual interest on both sides, so we thought it made sense to get together,” new team president Farhan Zaidi said. “We had a good conversation over a few hours, and he’s obviously got a lot of suitors and a lot of interest.
“He’s going to have some decisions to make, but again I think it’s fair to say that was an expression of our interest level to make the trip out there and meet with him.”
The Phillies have long been considered the favorites to sign Harper, 26, as talks drag into February with spring training nearly upon us. The Nationals, White Sox and Padres also have had conversations with Harper.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, as his team prepares to move from Oakland to San Francisco next season, even joined in the recruiting process.
“It could be fun,” Kerr said Sunday. “I’d love it if Bryce Harper came here. Does my opinion matter? Bryce, come to the Giants! Let’s go. Is that true? Is that going around? Kind of? It’s exciting.”