The Giants are still looking at candidates atop their baseball operations department, though Bryce Harper is certainly on the front office's thoughts.
Vice president of baseball operations Brian Sabean is expected to represent the Giants at the GM Meetings, but he is not the key to signing the prized free agent. Neither is CEO Larry Baer.
The man who holds the key to a Harper-San Francisco connection, is billionaire Charles Johnson, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
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SIGN UP HERE Johnson, who had to make a statement denying his connection to a racist political ad in October, is believed to own the largest stake in the team. He's also believed to be the driving force of the Giants going all in on a Giancarlo Stanton trade last offseason that never transpired, according to Olney.
The 85-year-old Johnson could do the same with Harper, especially with him being a free agent instead of having to make a trade. Johnson saw the effect of signing Barry Bonds to the largest contract in MLB history at the time, and he could try to pull of a Bonds 2.0 with Harper.
The Giants also received good news regarding Harper's free agency on Sunday with two teams.
Throughout the 2018 season, the Braves shocked many by winning the NL East with their young roster. But GM Alex Anthopolous made it clear Atlanta is almost guaranteed to be out in the Harper sweepstakes.
Growing up with fellow star slugger Kris Bryant in Las Vegas, Harper has been connected to the Chicago Cubs many times. He even wore a Chicago Bulls hat the same day free agency began. However, David Kaplan, who is the Cubs pregame and postgame host for NBC Sports Chicago is hearing otherwise.
Harper could easily sign the largest contract in MLB history this offseason. As Harper searches for his giant payday, billionaire Charles Johnson could be the biggest key to getting it done for the Giants.
