Bryce Harper Rumors: White Sox, Padres, Nationals Reportedly Out, Dodgers Offering Short Contract

Bryce Harper Nationals Dodgers — Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals returns to the dugout after striking out in the sixth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

While the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to have re-entered the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes, a few teams seem to have dropped out of the race. About half of the free agent’s suitors look like they’ve moved on with the 2019 MLB season quickly approaching.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals have all moved on from their pursuit of Harper.

Manny Machado was Chicago’s primary target, and they reportedly won’t sign Harper after they wouldn't exceed $250 million guaranteed for the infielder. San Diego isn’t prepared to offer another record-setting contract after giving Machado $300 million over 10 years. Washington reportedly made that same offer to Harper at the end of the regular season, but it sounds like the Nationals have since moved on after spending big money in free agency.

The #Dodgers enter the mix, giving Bryce Harper the choice of getting long-term deal in $300 million range with #Phillies or going real short-term with #Dodgers or somewhere in between with #SFGiants. https://t.co/jrGFBcaODC
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 25, 2019

#Dodgers within close range of first $206M luxury-tax threshold. Monster AAV for Harper on short-term deal would put them considerably over, but they are at least willing to explore idea. Worth noting: Biggest guarantee to an outside free agent under Friedman -Pollock at $55M. https://t.co/RQyGbKxJ2j
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 25, 2019

The Philadelphia Phillies are still considered to be the favorites to sign Harper. They are expected to make him a 10-year offer, though Harper’s extended free agency does raise the question of whether or not the team will meet the outfielder’s demands.

The San Francisco Giants continue to pursue Harper. It’s been reported that they want to land Harper on a short-term deal. Their continued inclusion in the race could mean their offer is more competitive than some might think.

The Dodgers’ latest meeting with Harper doesn’t necessarily mean they are now willing to spend north of $300 million on MLB’s top free agent. Los Angeles reportedly still wants to sign Harper to a shorter contract with a potentially historic average yearly salary.

Harper is reportedly still looking to surpass the $325 million guaranteed Giancarlo Stanton signed for in 2014. Some reports indicate agent Scott Boras is pushing for Harper to make at least $350 million.

Major league baseball