January 25, 2019
According to recent reports, there are just two teams reasonably remaining in the race to sign Bryce Harper.
The 26-year-old slugger is still sitting back and waiting to see what happens, but the Dodgers — who at one point looked to be the favorites to ink Harper as they shed salary in a trade with the Reds — are no longer shopping.
Here's what USA Today's Bob Nightengale said Thursday after Los Angeles signed centerfielder A.J. Pollock to a four-year, $55 million deal:
The Philadelphia Phillies still are the heavy favorite to land him. The Chicago White Sox have interest but have made no offer. And no other teams publicly are involved.
Why, the Washington Nationals, who offered Harper a 10-year, deferred contract worth about $284 million at the season’s conclusion, may no longer be in play.
Let everyone else spend the next few weeks worrying about where the two biggest free agent stars are heading. The Dodgers made their move. And once again, you may see them playing deep into October. [USA TODAY]
The Dodgers are just barely below the Luxury Tax threshold so it is believed they are more or less done making moves now. There's no telling when the next domino will fall, but the Phils competition just got easier.
As we do every day during hot stove season, here's a live chat/open thread to help you follow along with all the rumors and developing stories as MLB's free agency continues:
Follow Evan on Twitter:@evan_macy
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Sports
