With Manny Machado agreeing to sign a record-breaking 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, Bryce Harper is now indisputably the biggest fish in the MLB free-agency pond.
Rumors are still swirling as to where Harper may end up, but a report from Philadelphia Phillies beat writer Todd Zolecki on Wednesday evening all but eliminates the Washington Nationals from retaining their 26-year-old star:
"Sources told MLB.com on Wednesday that the Nationals have no plans to give Harper a mega-deal comparable to Machado's 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres, likely ending any chance for Washington's longtime face of the franchise to remain with the club.