© Brad Mills | 2015 Jul 3
Amidst a flurry of reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers are making a late push to sign former NL MVP Bryce Harper, the Giants brass met with the outfielder for the second time this offseason on Tuesday, according to a report by Kerry Crowley of the Bay Area News Group.
Tuesday’s meeting in Las Vegas included both CEO Larry Baer and VP of Baseball Farhan Zaidi. Bruce Bochy was not in attendance as he was during the first meeting at the beginning of February. The Giants have reportedly made a formal offer to Harper, though the details have not been disclosed. It, along with the Dodgers offer, is expected to be of the short-term variety. The Phillies offer is expected to be in the vicinity of the 10-year, $300 million deal Manny Machado signed with the Padres last week.
The Giants were considered the favorites to land Harper after reports of their first meeting in February, but have fallen behind the Phillies in recent weeks, after reports that Harper is not interested in signing a long-term deal, and that the Giants are not interested in offering one. On Sunday, the Dodgers, thought to be out of the running, met with Harper for the first time this offseason. The meeting reportedly made the Phillies nervous that Harper would prefer to sign with Los Angeles if he is offered a comparable deal.
Nolan Arenado signing an eight-year extension with the Rockies on Tuesday is rumored to have re-ignited the Dodgers’ interest in Harper, as Los Angeles was reportedly planning on pursuing Arenado next offseason.