Bryce Harper Rumors: Dodgers Emerge As Late Contender, Phillies Still Unable To Close On Free Agent

Bryce Harper Nationals Dodgers — Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals warms before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers up wearing an NHL Vegas Golden Knights t-shirt at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

There is a new twist in the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes. The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be back in the race for MLB’s top free agent after seemingly dropping out weeks ago.

According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, manager Dave Roberts was among the Dodgers’ officials that met with Harper Sunday in Las Vegas. The news comes after Philadelphia Phillies’ owner John Middleton flew to Vegas to visit with Harper Friday, which had fueled speculation that the two sides could be nearing an agreement.

Los Angeles appeared to have plenty of interest earlier this offseason when they were one of a handful of teams to meet with Harper. With the Dodgers’ reported opposition to giving the outfielder a long-term contract, it looked like L.A. had moved on. The team instead signed outfielder A.J. Pollock to a five-year deal.

From the start, Bryce Harper has sought a decade-long-plus deal. There is no indication, sources said, that has changed. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have long been opposed to very long-term deals. Still, the Dodgers’ emergence has thrown a fascinating wrench into these negotiations.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 25, 2019

If the Dodgers get serious about Harper, it almost certainly would be on a VERY short-term deal, in keeping with their operating philosophy. Phillies, on the other hand, prepared to do a monster, long-term contract.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 25, 2019

Dodgers look like big threat at moment since it is well known Harper loves a big stage. Plus, they wisely reset their tax last year. Still, it’s a surprise in terms of positional needs and recent M.O., which has included staying away from big ticket items.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 25, 2019

Harper has been looking for a decade-long contract. According to ESPN.com, that desire has not changed. The Dodgers re-engaged with the 26-year-old in hopes of signing him to a shorter deal with a high yearly salary.

The Dodgers created room in the outfield and on the payroll just before Christmas by trading Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to the Cincinnati Reds.

It’s been expected that Harper would sign a record-setting deal that will surpass the $325 million contract Giancarlo Stanton received in 2014. It would be surprising to see him sign for fewer than $300 million, which Manny Machado just got from the San Diego Padres.

Philadelphia has been lurking as the favorite to sign Harper for weeks because of their admitted willingness to be “stupid” about spending money this offseason. But spring training is underway and Harper is still not signed, raising questions as to why a deal hasn’t gotten done.

Maybe the rumors that Harper doesn’t want to play in Philadelphia are true. The Phillies didn’t go to $300 million for Machado, and perhaps they won’t surpass that mark for Harper.

Whatever the case may be, Harper’s continued free agency and the Dodgers’ re-emergence has created more doubt that the Phillies will actually sign a star free agent for the 2019 MLB season.

Major league baseball