MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper, Manny Machado Not Close To Signing Contracts Despite Phillies' Pursuit

The vague rumors that Bryce Harper might sign with the Philadelphia Phillies Tuesday proved to be false, leaving MLB’s top free agent still on the market. Both Harper and Manny Machado remain available as they seek record-setting contracts, and it’s unknown if either player will find a team anytime soon.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, neither Harper nor Machado is close to signing a new deal and ending their free agency. A few teams are pursuing the All-Stars, but it doesn’t appear that either player has received their desired contract offer.

Philadelphia is expected to make a lucrative offer to one of the two star players, though it’s been reported that it might not happen until February. The Chicago White Sox are also pursuing both Machado and Harper. Their reported offer to Machado was not close to the infielder’s asking price, and it isn’t likely that they’ve made an official offer to Harper.

The New York Yankees met with Machado in December, but they don’t seem willing to come close to the 10-year, $300 million-plus offer that the 26-year-old wants. The offers to Machado have been so underwhelming that the San Diego Padres are now reportedly considering a play for him.

The Washington Nationals reportedly offered Harper $300 million over 10 years at the end of the season. The outfielder is much more likely than Machado to get a contract like the historic $325 million deal that Giancarlo Stanton signed in 2014.

Position players are scheduled to report to spring training as early as Feb. 17. If Harper and Machado are determined to sign the richest contracts in the sport, they could remain free agents for a while longer.