Report: Nats' latest offer to Harper 'much more' than $300M

The first week of 2019 has brought renewed hope for Washington Nationals fans hoping to see superstar free agent Bryce Harper return.

It was reported Wednesday that Harper and the Nationals have met multiple times in recent weeks - including a five-hour sit-down just before Christmas - and the team's most recent offer was "much more than the $300 million being reported by the media," a source later told Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

The $300-million figure is referring to the offer that Washington apparently made to its homegrown superstar on the last day of the 2018 season, which was rejected and thought to be the team's final proposal.

"I really don't expect him to come back at this point," Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner told 106.7 The Fan in December when asked if the team would increase its offer to Harper. "I think they've decided to move on."

Despite his free agency stretching into the new year, Harper is still thought to be seeking a record contract.

The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox are reportedly both willing to offer the former NL MVP a 10-year deal, while the Chicago Cubs are apparently trying to clear payroll room in order to make a run at signing him.