© Richard Mackson | 2018 Apr 20
Hours after a report from Buster Olney of ESPN that Bryce Harper and the Phillies could finalize negotiations by Tuesday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Los Angeles has re-entered the sweepstakes for the still un-signed former NL MVP.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Monday that he was part of the contingent that met with Harper.
Asked about the meeting Monday, Roberts said, “it was good.”
Roberts said that Sunday’s meeting was the first the Dodgers have held with Harper.
Dave Roberts said yesterday’s meeting was the first the Dodgers have held with Bryce Harper.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 25, 2019
The Dodgers are reportedly offering a short-term deal, while the Phillies offer is assumed to be at least as long and more lucrative than the 10-year, $300 million offer Manny Machado received from the Padres last week. Harper had reportedly been unwilling to sign a short-term deal, but it’s possible that has changed as he remains un-signed in the second week of spring training.
Harper has given no indication that he is willing to bend on his desire for a long-term contract, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
It’s unclear where the Giants stand at this point, but they are no longer considered the favorite to land Harper that they were two weeks ago. San Francisco has also reportedly been only interested in offering Harper a short-term deal, speculated to be around seven-years in length.
The six-time All-Star outfielder batted only .249 in 2018 but had 34 home runs and 100 RBIs and came on strong after the All-Star break.
