Phillies one step closer to signing Bryce Harper
The Phillies chances of signing Bryce Harper are growing stronger
A suitor to sign Bryce Harper is off the table, and thankfully that team isn’t the Phillies.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly in agreement with outfielder A.J. Pollock on a multi-year deal, replacing the bat lost when Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp were traded to Cincinnati.
With Pollock now in Los Angeles, the Harper sweepstakes have lost another potential bidder.
By most accounts, the Phils and Nationals are the only serious contenders to sign Harper this offseason. Few teams are willing to give Harper the long-term deal Philadelphia and Washington have reportedly considered.
More from Phillies News
- Philadelphia Phillies: Most impactful transactions in 2022
- How will Rob Thomson manage the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen in 2023?
- How Phillies’ Ranger Suárez is set to build on 2022 postseason dominance
- What can Philadelphia Phillies expect from Bryson Stott in 2023?
- 3 Reasons to get excited for Phillies’ Craig Kimbrel signing
Reports suggest Manny Machado is likely to sign before Harper, and if Philadelphia is unable to land either of them they could be stuck in the outfield where they left off. Pollock was reportedly their backup plan to Harper, and with him off the board, Philadelphia is left with Nick Williams, Roman Quinn, and Aaron Altherr in right field.
Adam Jones, Denard Span, Hunter Pence, Carlos Gonzalez, and Curtis Granderson won’t muster anything more than the aforementioned young trio Philadelphia already has ready to play in right.
This saga is going to continue playing out through the month of January and there is no end in sight for Machado or Harper.
Next. Phils on the 2020 HOF ballot. dark
At this rate, pitchers and catchers will report to Clearwater before either signs and any contract inked will be done so not in the luxurious offices in Philadelphia, but in a back room down in the Carpenter Complex.