Bryce Harper Rumors: Dodgers Likely Out Of Race After Signing AJ Pollock, Mets Not A Mystery Team

As Bryce Harper’s free agency continues, it might be time to expand the list of possible destinations for MLB’s top available player. While the Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox have seemingly been the most active teams in pursuit of the outfielder, the notion that mystery teams could be in play is looking more valid.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal said Thursday that he suspects mystery teams exist for both Harper and Manny Machado. Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported that the San Diego Padres have “checked in” with both free agents. ESPN’s Buster Olney has speculated that the Houston Astros, San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves could all have interest in Harper.

The Los Angeles Dodgers might now fall somewhere between being a mystery team and a contender for Harper. Members of the front office met with Harper and agent Scott Boras earlier in the offseason. No official offer was ever presented to the 26-year-old, and L.A. reportedly has no interest in inking him to a 10-year deal.

On Thursday, the Dodgers all but officially bowed out of the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes by signing the second-best outfielder remaining in free agency. Los Angeles gave A.J. Pollock a four-year, $55 million contract, filling a void the team created by trading Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp last month.

If the money were equal, Los Angeles might have made the most sense as a destination for Harper. His superstardom even exceeds his performance on the field, and the outfielder seems to belong on the biggest stage possible.

That’s why the “Bryce Harper to the New York Yankees” rumors have existed for years. That possibility probably ended last year when the team traded for Giancarlo Stanton and his record-setting contract. The Yankees have been more focused on Machado this offseason.

There is, of course, another team in New York that could certainly use Harper. The Mets need help in the outfield, and even a decent offense might make them a playoff contender because of their rotation.

Maybe the Mets are just being coy, but the front office has tried to make it clear that they aren’t pursuing Harper.

A week ago, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen gave the need to find playing time for Jeff McNeil as a reason the team wasn’t prioritizing acquiring an outfielder. When asked about Harper and increasing their payroll Thursday, COO Jeff Wilpon noted that the Mets were already paying Yoenis Cespedes close to $30 million for the 2019 season.

Cespedes is expected to miss most of the season because of heel surgery.

The Mets have spent some money this offseason, trading for Robinson Cano and adding free agents Jed Lowrie and catcher Wilson Ramos. Giving Harper more than $300 million, however, doesn’t seem to be in New York’s plans.