MLB Rumors: Dodgers Want Bryce Harper But Only For Short Term

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly not ready to offer free agent outfielder Bryce Harper a lucrative, long-term contract.

Harper is one of the premier free agents available along with Manny Machado this offseason, as the duo are both expected to command huge contracts in excess of $300 million.

When it comes to Harper, many teams are interested, but the Dodgers were seen as the reported favorites along with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago White Sox. Not anymore at least.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Dodgers "are widely rumored to be in on Harper, but the reality, according to major-league sources, is that they do not want him on a long-term, record-setting contract."

Instead, they would prefer to give him a shorter deal which includes contract opt-outs. However, that would also put the Dodgers in luxury-tax range for 2019 while they already have too many outfielders.

It's entirely possible the 26-year-old could still sign with the Dodgers, but given that he notably rejected a reported 10-year, $300 million contract from the Washington Nationals, it's hard to see him walk away from an even bigger contract.

The Phillies, on the other hand, have made it very clear they're prepared to splash the cash with owner John Middleton claiming last month they may even "be a little stupid" about spending in the offseason.

"We're going into this expecting to spend money," Middleton said. "And maybe even be a little bit stupid about it. We just prefer not to be completely stupid. It's exciting to contemplate what we may be able to do this offseason. We know the free agent class this year is really, really good."

Philadelphia is in for both Harper and Machado, and while they may have a reported preference for the latter, at this point, either one would satisfy the organization looking to win their first World Series since 2008.

According to oddsmakers, they are also the current +156 favorites to sign Harper, as per BookMaker, with the Dodgers behind at +260.

Not signing Harper is not a complete disaster for the Dodgers though, as they have still won six straight National League West Titles and will likely be competing again this upcoming season. However, one wonders if someone like Harper could take them that extra step to winning their first championship since 1988, having lost in the World Series the last two years.

Harper hit .249/.393/.496 with 34 home runs, 34 doubles and 100 RBI during the 2018 season. He has made six All-Star teams and won the 2015 National League MVP.