Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper did not attend NatsFest, the club’s offseason meet-and-greet with fans, because of his arbitration grievance.
According to general manager Mike Rizzo, Harper chose not to be at NatsFest.
“We’re disappointed he’s not here,” Rizzo said.
Harper is in a dispute with the Nationals about whether he is eligible for arbitration. When Harper first signed his contract, the Nationals did not include an opt-out clause which would allow Harper to go into arbitration, if he became eligible. Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, thought there should be one. Since the contract was signed just before the deadline, the MLBPA negotiated an option that said there would be a grievance hearing if Harper qualified for arbitration.
Harper’s camp is arguing that he is “Super 2” eligible, at this point, meaning he is a player that ranks in the top 22 percent of players with between two to three years of Major League service time. Hence, he’s eligible for arbitration.
The sides can settle before the hearing, which is scheduled for next Tuesday, according to The Washington Post, though that seems unlikely. Regardless of the outcome, Harper remains under club control until 2018 and under contract for 2015.
Jayson Werth was at the event, but was not on the list of players speaking with reporters. Rizzo said it was his decision for Werth not to talk to the media.
“He’s going to be around and meet the fans and visit with the fans,” Rizzo said. “I think that’s the important part of what he should be doing.”
Werth was sentenced Dec. 5 to five days in jail for a speeding ticket received July 6 on the Capital Beltway. Police said Werth was driving 105 mph. He has appealed the ruling.
The Nationals’ highest-paid player also did not speak to the media after they were eliminated from the playoffs by the San Francisco Giants.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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