The Nationals on Wednesday pulled off a major trade with the White Sox that landed them outfielder Adam Eaton. Eaton brings his well-rounded attack to Washington, where he'll likely take over in center field, thus allowing Trea Turner to return to shortstop.

Speaking of the Nationals' maneuverings, Eaton's new D.C. outfield label-mate Bryce Harper had the following decidedly brief reaction ...

Mr. Harper hath spoken. At this point, we're forced to make two assumptions:

  1. Harper is saying "wow" to news of the Eaton trade and not, say, some guy's chinning a kangaroo in defense of his dog.
  2. "Wow" is being used to communicate praise for the deal and not as an expression of dismay that GM Mike Rizzo gave up three high-ceiling young right-handers for Eaton.

Regarding assumption No. 2, there's this ...

Harper is probably not that unnamed Nats player, but it's worth noting that not every trade that strengthens the current roster at the expense of future is embraced by current major-leaguers on the team in question.

Anyhow, the Nats after a quiet offseason that saw them endeavor and then fail to add Chris Sale and Mark Melancon, have made a splash. More, presumably, is to come. That brings us back to the current mood and inclinations of Mr. Harper. On that point ...

Polite and welcoming!

As noted in this very space, early talks about a contract extension yielded a reported asking price of $400 million for Harper. Harper's not eligible for free agency until after the 2018 season, but even then he'll still be just 26 years of age. By that point, he may have already topped 200 career homers and won a second NL MVP award. So, yes, the going rates are going to be high, and Harper will almost certainly fetch the biggest contract in MLB history. "Wow," one might say to such a prospect.

"Wow," is also something Harper said, possibly about a trade. Adjust your lives accordingly.