HOU is not signing Harper. It's just not happening. Not in reality. It's a fun idea to tinker with, but, at the end of the day, we're nowhere near what the field will eventually offer. I'll eat crow if Crane and JL actually pulled it off (and my god, how insane would that be). But neither have done or endorsed anything that would make it seem like we have any realistic chance at nabbing him. It's just not how our organization is built. I think the Cardinals and Pujols is a pretty similar comparison, JL ties and all. Who knows. If I had to guess, I think the most we would/could offer is 10y/250m. The field will surely top that. Our only chance is if: 1) Harper loves HOU (tax benefits and all), and 2) JL goes sickomode. It's probably borderline unhealthy to even think about. But a lineup of Springer, Bregman, Altuve, Brantley, Correa, White, and then whoever we field at C, OF, and 1B/DH/OF...my god.
As the days pass, it's more and more clear that teams aren't honoring 10 years contracts anymore. At this point, I think it's highly unlikely that anyone goes beyond 7 years. It's also more likely that Harper can get a higher AAV with a shorter term contract. This is why I think HOU fans can have hope. I CAN see Harper here on a 4-5 year deal with a AAV that bests what a team might offer on a 6-7 term deal. Harper is young enough to take a risk at a high AAV, shorter term deal in the hopes of playing on a true WS competitor, also while enjoying the higher AAV.
We could, but it would almost mandate not locking up one of our own when the time comes. Which of Springer, Correa or Bregman do you want to let go?
I'd take Harper over Springer or Correa. I also would not pass on Harper in the hopes of something that might not happen.
It WILL happen that we cant keep all three of them. Adding Harper might make it so we can only keep one. But it might be that Harper is (will be) better than 2 of those guys. Maybe.
We need to lock up Bregman at some point. I doubt we extend Springer or Correa. The key will be what we do to replace them when the time comes. Getting Harper now is more important to the team than hanging on the hope that Springer and Correa will both stay healthy, effective and affordable.
If Luhnow and Crane don’t think we can extend or eventually sign Springer and/or Correa, I think signing Harper is possible. Lock up a stud now, one of our own preferably, but if not then maybe Harper To me, this is the way Luhnow and Crane think
I don't know. Correa needs a healthy bounceback year to be considered a stud. Last year was mediocre.
If Astros think they can't sign Springer and/or Correa, it is because they think they can't afford it. Considering those guys are in arbitration, they are more likely to afford Correa and/or Springer.
OPS+ Last 3 years BH 114,156,133=403 total CC 124,155,102=381 total GS 125,141,116=385 total Bryce wins
Well, I can see Harper help us make money with all his endorsements, sponsorship and the media, while also possibly help us gain even more fans in the Houston area (something I think we still need).
That gravely overlooks how injured CC was last year, and obviously doesn’t factor defense or on base skills. CC was on par or better offensively than Bryce 2 of the last 3 years by your measure, and his off year was due to back injuries.
If we are talking about sheer potential, all 3 are near equals. What they have done at the plate, potential aside, is a win for Bryce.
So what you are saying is that Harper playing crap defense doesn't matter usually at a weaker position of defense spectrum? Correa and Springer win fWAR.
