MLB Rumors: Dodgers Make Major Play For Harper, Phillies Still Want Machado

Bryce Harper is being touted as the most sought-after free agent in Major League Baseball in the last two decades and there are said to be more than a dozen teams keen to sign him ahead of the new season.

The free agent right fielder is currently back in Las Vegas, his hometown, and according to Yahoo Sports, has had a number of visitors in recent weeks. And the report claims he recently had a high-profile visitor in the form of NBA legend Magic Johnson, who led a delegation from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers, who have the second highest revenue in baseball, are ready to spend big to land Harper, who has also attracted the interest of the Philadelphia Phillies; the latter have also admitted to having the potential to spend the required amount to land the free agent.

The Dodgers are not the only one to use star power to get the attention of Harper, as the Chicago White Sox also called upon longtime star and Hall of Famer Jim Thome to accompany their delegation during their trip to Las Vegas.

The New York Yankees are also said to be admirers of Harper but are said to be outsiders, as they are still uncertain about making their move. The right fielder grew up a Yankees fan, but the report claims they could well have held the meeting just to gauge his personality or his market value.

Apart from the big players, the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres are also expected to enter the race despite having limited financial capability. The Washington Nationals, with whom Harper played between 2012 and 2018, are also expected to re-enter the race for his signature.

The Nationals had already made a mammoth $300 million offer over 10 years to the right fielder at the end of last season, but Harper rejected the deal and it was later pulled. But the Nationals are expected to return with a new offer despite interest from a number of other teams.

Harper is a six-time MLB All-Star and being just 26 years old, all the other franchises are aware that he still has his best years ahead of him. Harper has already hit 200 home runs in his career and was the youngest player to be unanimously voted the National League Most Valuable Player in 2015.

The Yahoo Sports report claims that with Harper being one of the most sought-after free agents, the meetings in Las Vegas have been high profile with owners of franchises making trips rather than the member of the mid-level management.

Harper, however, is not the only top quality free agent available this offseason with former Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado also up for grabs. And according to ESPN, the Phillies are keen to sign Machado despite adding Jean Segura as part of a five-man trade from the Seattle Mariners, while Harper also remains on their radar.