Bryce Harper Washington Nationals
Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals runs out a ninth-inning double against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 30, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. Dustin Bradford/Getty Images

The Washington Nationals have made the biggest splash of the MLB offseason thus far by agreeing to sign Patrick Corbin. The team reportedly offered the top pitcher in free agency $140 million over six years, outbidding the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.

Corbin, of course, isn’t the biggest name Washington has pursued this offseason. The team has been hoping to bring back Bryce Harper, who’s become the most sought-after free agent in recent memory.

What does the Corbin signing mean for Washington’s chances of keeping Harper?

Washington still seems to be in play for Harper. However, it could make their pursuit of the outfielder more difficult.

The Nationals reportedly offered Harper a 10-year, $300 million contract at the end of the regular season. Harper turned that down, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him command close to $350 million this winter. The 26-year-old doesn’t have a shortage of suitors with the likes of the Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox among the many teams that want to sign him.

Max Scherzer still has three years left on his $210 million deal. Stephen Strasburg is in the midst of a $175 million deal. With three Nationals’ starters making so much money for the foreseeable future, Washington appears unlikely to match the best offer that Harper will receive.

Perhaps Washington is determined to win now and will spend accordingly. Few expected them to make this kind of push for Corbin. It’s certainly possible that they are willing to give out another lucrative contract to the player that’s just a few years removed from being the youngest unanimous MVP in MLB history.

It could be some time before Harper makes his final decision.

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