PHILADELPHIA -- Negotiations can turn on a dime.

Consider three of the Phillies’ biggest free-agent signings in the past 15 years. The Phils covertly pursued Cliff Lee in December 2010. At least twice, Phillies assistant general manager Scott Proefrock texted his regrets to Lee’s agent, Derek Braunecker, because of stalemates. But talks reignited each time and Lee signed a five-year, $120 million contract to return to Philadelphia.

The Phillies thought Bryce Harper was signing with San Francisco in late February 2019, only to learn the next day that he had agreed to a 13-year, $330 million contract with them. Two offseasons later, the Phils were frustrated with J.T. Realmuto, who at one point sought more than $200 million. Months later, he signed a five-year, $115.5 million deal.

The Wi

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