When the Nationals made their initial offer last fall to keep Bryce Harper, they did so in a unique way, according to a Washington Post report.

In the midst of a rain delay during the Nationals' final home game of the 2018 season, Harper was summoned to manager Dave Martinez's office. But when he got there, according to the report, Martinez was not there. He was instead greeted by the team's owners, Ted Lerner and son Mark Lerner.

The Lerners told Harper how much they wanted him to remain a National, and handed the outfielder an envelope. Harper, with the game not yet called, declined to open it right away, stuffing it into his pocket.

When the rain persisted and the game was called in the eighth inning, Harper met wife Kayla in a hallway and together they opened the envelope. The Nationals' offer: 10 years, $300 million, including deferred money.