The Astros had a trade in place for Harper on July 30, but the deal collapsed when Washington Nationals ownership refused to approve the move, according to major-league sources.
For Harper, the Nationals would have obtained right-hander J.B. Bukauskas, the Astros’ No. 8 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, and two other minor leaguers, sources said. Catcher Garrett Stubbs, the team’s No. 15 prospect, was in play, and the Nationals would have received another, low-level, minor-league pitcher as well.
The package was far better than the compensatory pick the Nationals will receive after the fourth round of the 2019 draft if Harper turns down their qualifying offer on Monday, as expected, and eventually signs with another club.
For Harper, the Nationals would have obtained right-hander J.B. Bukauskas, the Astros’ No. 8 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, and two other minor leaguers, sources said. Catcher Garrett Stubbs, the team’s No. 15 prospect, was in play, and the Nationals would have received another, low-level, minor-league pitcher as well.
The package was far better than the compensatory pick the Nationals will receive after the fourth round of the 2019 draft if Harper turns down their qualifying offer on Monday, as expected, and eventually signs with another club.