Bryce Harper Rumors: White Sox Might Have A Better Shot To Sign Star Than Dodgers, Phillies, Yankees

The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers are given the best betting odds to sign Bryce Harper, but there’s a good chance that neither team will land the top prize in MLB free agency. The Chicago White Sox might actually be in the best position to sign the outfielder.

Harper, 26, is in pursuit of the biggest contract in the history of American team sports. Some recent reports indicate the superstar won’t get that kind of offer from either Philadelphia or L.A.

The Phillies have been considered big players for both Harper and Machado, but it’s become clear that the team prefers to sign the infielder. Machado is scheduled to meet with Philadelphia Thursday, and he’s expected to make a decision before Harper. If the Phillies and Machado come to an agreement, it’s unlikely that Harper would get a record-setting deal to join the NL East team.

Philadelphia has already signed outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a three-year, $50 million contract in free agency. Adding Machado might mean the team is done giving out big contracts to position players this offseason. As much as the Phillies are prepared to spend, the organization proved they do have a limit when they failed to match Patrick Corbin’s asking price.

The Dodgers are reportedly interested in acquiring Harper, but not if it means surpassing Giancarlo Stanton’s $325 million contract. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Los Angeles wants to sign Harper to a short-term deal that includes a high yearly salary and opt-outs.

Los Angeles is looking to trade a couple of players in order to create room for Harper on their payroll. Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Rich Hill are all reportedly available.

Chicago is in pursuit of Machado, as well, as they look to make a major splash in free agency. If the team fails to land the infielder, they could make Harper an offer he can’t refuse. CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden has reported that the White Sox met with Harper at last week’s Winter Meetings, and they are prepared to give the outfielder a lucrative, long-term deal.

The White Sox have just $34 million committed to players in 2019.

Perhaps Harper will consider a shorter contract with a team that’s closer to winning a championship than the White Sox. Chicago lost 100 games in the 2018 season, and it could be a few years before their younger players and highly touted prospects are ready to help them contend.

But it’s hard to believe that Harper won’t sign a record-setting deal if Chicago is the only team that makes him such an offer.

Harper reportedly turned down a 10-year contract worth $300 million from the Washington Nationals at the end of the regular season, indicating he’s not prepared to settle for a shorter contract. It’s possible that Washington could increase their offer, though that seems unlikely after the team gave $140 million to Corbin.

The New York Yankees can never be discounted when it comes to the best free agents, though it’s unlikely Harper will end up in the Bronx. New York is in the market to sign Machado, and general manager Brian Cashman has indicated the team isn’t looking to spend big money on an outfielder.