Bryce Harper Rumors: Giants Make Push, Phillies Losing Confidence, Dodgers Remain Players

Two NL West teams have disrupted the Philadelphia Phillies’ plans to sign Bryce Harper. First, it was the Los Angeles Dodgers, who visited MLB’s top free agent in Las Vegas Sunday and are reportedly his preferred destination. The latest update indicates that the San Francisco Giants might be an even bigger threat to land Harper.

The Mercury News’ Kerry Crowley first reported that Giants CEO Larry Baer and president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi met with Harper and agent Scott Boras Tuesday. According to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic, the two sides discussed a 10-year contract.

It had previously been reported that San Francisco was only interested in signing Harper to a short-term deal. The news could push the Giants ahead of the Phillies in the race for the outfielder.

Los Angeles is reportedly hoping to ink Harper to a short-term contract. That could change since Harper isn’t expected to take less than a decade-long offer.

Any offer will likely pay Harper at least $30 million per season.

Multiple reports indicate that Philadelphia has begun to lose confidence in their ability to sign Harper. The Phillies have reportedly made Harper an offer worth north of $300 million. The deal might even surpass Giancarlo Stanton’s record-setting contract worth $325 million.

Harper’s extended free agency might be an indication that the 26-year-old prefers not the play in Philadelphia. He isn’t expected to leave tens of millions of guaranteed dollars on the table. It’s starting to sound like Harper might not have to take much of a discount, if any, to remain on the West Coast near his hometown.

There appear to be three suitors for Harper. The Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres have all reportedly dropped their pursuit of the six-time All-Star.