Bryce Harper Rumors: White Sox, Padres In Contention With Phillies To Sign Superstar?

b harp — Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after scoring on a throwing error by Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning during Game Three of the National League Division Series at AT&T Park on October 6, 2014 in San Francisco, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

A year after winnings its first ever Super Bowl, the city of Philadelphia might have another reason to celebrate soon. It sounds like superstar slugger Bryce Harper is likely to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies imminently.

Harper and the Phillies are reportedly nearing the end of contract negotiations, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported over the weekend. According to Olney, it could be done by Tuesday, putting a bow on a wildly successful offseason in Philly.

However, nothing is official until it is official. The San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox and San Francisco Giants have all been linked to the 26-year-old former Washington National. Where do they stand in the final hours of Harper’s free agency?

According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, Harper’s desired contract might be a bit too steep for the White Sox. He reportedly wants to beat Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million deal. Still, Chicago remains “in touch” with Harper, according to Heyman.

While White Sox see asking price for Harper as beyond their comfort level, they remain in touch, in case. At his visit to Chicago, an MJ statue was adorned with Chisox Harper jersey. They have many excellent OF prospects coming (Eloy, Robert, Rutherford) but are thin in OF now.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 24, 2019

As for the Padres, it just might not be possible. They already landed a superstar free agent in Manny Machado last week, inking the former LA Dodger to a $300 million deal. Padres beat writer Kevin Acee said it is highly unlikely for the team to land both Machado and Harper in the same offseason.

They might go for former Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel instead, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

It’s not happening — unless Bryce Harper wants to take a 90% discount on his salary and/or donate a significant portion of it to investing in an immediate upgrade to the starting pitching.
I have reluctantly checked back with multiple people on this, and it is not a possibility. https://t.co/y5FVekcfHN
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 22, 2019

As for the Giants, fans in the Bay Area might not want to get their hopes up too high. Reports indicate the Giants are only willing to offer big money in the short term, but not the kind of lengthy contract Harper wants.

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