Bryce Harper officially declined the Nationals’ one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer Monday, a move he was expected to make.
The Nationals extended the offer on Nov. 2. Harper was one of six players in MLB to reject their CQ, according to the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Six Players decline Qualifying Offershttps://t.co/YpcJDDmkZy pic.twitter.com/8buovnqdEw
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) November 12, 2018
After the Nationals made their offer, the team’s exclusive negotiating window with the 26-year-old slugger closed. Harper also reportedly rejected a 10-year, $300 million deal from the Nationals before the season ended.
Harper and the Nationals have expressed mutual interest in agreeing to a new contract.
But other teams — like the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs — are interested in signing Harper.
Harper is eligible to sign a new deal with a team at any time, but most high-profile free agents typically agree on a contract at the league’s Winter Meetings in December.
Harper hit .249 last season with 34 home runs.
If Harper signs with another team before MLB’s June amateur draft, the Nationals will receive a late first-round pick as compensation.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.