Rizzo says Nationals have good chance to sign Harper long term

With just 11 months to go before Bryce Harper hits his first career free agency, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is confident his club has the resources to retain the five-time All-Star.

"I think we have as good a chance to sign him long-term as anybody in baseball," Rizzo told MLB Network, according to Jamal Collier of MLB.com. "He's the type of iconic, historic type of player that would love to be with the same organization throughout his whole career, such as (Derek) Jeter and that group of guys. I think he wants to be here. We want him here. I think there's an opportunity for him to make history here."

The Nationals and Harper have yet to hold any formal long-term discussions, though it was reported earlier this month that Rizzo expects to sit down with the outfielder and his agent Scott Boras before the start of the 2018 season.

Keeping Harper won't come easy for the Nationals. The 2015 NL MVP is entering free agency at just 25 years old and is expected to land a deal valued between $400 and $500 million. Still, it's believed he will give the Nationals a legitimate shot to retain him as he's enjoyed his time in Washington, and Rizzo hopes that gives them an advantage during negotiations.

"We have a lot of things going for us," Rizzo said. "Bryce and I are very close, we dealt with Bryce's agents on many, many occasions. We have a great relationship with the company. Bryce was scouted, drafted, signed, and developed here in Washington. It's his home away from home, and I think he loves the fan base and loves the city."