Harper Watch 2019.

Scott Boras is probably out there somewhere, extending his slimy tentacles as far as they will reach. His cephalopod touch will influence and mesmerize whatever national writers he can physically contact, like a baseball Cthulu lording over us from his subterranean lair.

This update has nothing to do with Harper, but it’s a report from Bob Nightengale, who says the Rockies have offered Nolan Arenado “a record-breaking contract for average annual salary.”

Writes Bob:

Arenado, 27, just 16 months older than Bryce Harper, has been offered a contract extension that will pay him $245 million over seven years through 2025, two people with knowledge of the talks told USA TODAY Sports and were granted anonymity because negotiations are ongoing.

Under this proposal, the Rockies will tear up this year’s contract that is due to pay Arenado $26 million and replace it with the $245 million contract that would pay the third baseman a record average annual salary of $35 million, obliterating Miguel Cabrera’s record of $31 million per year for a position player.

You know how this affects the Phillies. Scott Boras could bring this thing to a grinding halt as he comes back to John Middleton and says, “the Rockies are paying Arenado $35 million a year, what can you do for us?” It changes the marketplace for top-end talent and moves the goalposts even further back.

The Phillies would have to go 10 years, $350 million for Harper to match an AAV of $35m per season. You also have to consider allowing an opt-out in 2021, since the market will probably explode after the CBA expires. And if the market holds steady, Harper doesn’t opt-out and simply stays with his current deal.

Theoretically speaking.

Edit – some more news: