MLB rumors: How much money does Yankees target Bryce Harper want?

According to a report, star free agent outfielder Bryce Harper wants …

Bryce Harper wants a ton of money.

That won’t shock you.

What might shock you is how much.

According to Fan Cred’s Jon Heyman, Harper is looking to surpass the record deal that Giancarlo Stanton got from the Marlins for $325 million over 13 years.

From Heyman:

Speaking of huge price tags — word is Harper is shooting for well beyond $350 million, though no exact price is known at this point …

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All it takes is for one team to think the 26-year-old outfielder is worth the money.

The report said that the Yankees and Harper’s representatives have reached out to each other more than once.

Also from Heyman:

However, there’s word of multiple contacts between the Yankees and Harper’s camp, and rival execs see the Yankees as a threat. As one put it, “They can’t be happy the Red Sox passed them by.”

Harper is arguably the best bat on the market and the best to hit free agency in a long time. The six-time All-Star hit .249 with 34 homers, 100 RBI and a .889 OPS in 159 games for the Nationals last season. He also had a .393 on-base percentage, boosted by his league-high 130 walks.

Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, called Harper a “generational talent” while at the GM Meetings earlier in the month.

“Because the player is entering the prime of his career you’re really talking about a unique and rare opportunity,” Boras said. “Anyone who’s done what Bryce Harper has done at 25, if you’ve done that, you’re almost a lock to be a Hall of Fame player.”

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.

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