The Philadelphia Phillies have been linked to free agent infielder Manny Machado more than former NL MVP Bryce Harper this winter. In fact they are said to be one of three named teams to be finalists for Machado’s services.
That hasn’t stopped the Phillies from flirting with the idea of adding Harper from the division-rival Washington Nationals.
According to this report from Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Phillies are expected to meet with Harper in his hometown of Las Vegas here soon.
“A person close to the player tells NBC Sports Philadelphia that a face-to-face meeting between Harper and Phillies officials is being planned for the next week or so,in Harper’s hometown of Las Vegas,” the report read.
Philadelphia’s brass had previously met with Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, during the Winter Meetings last month. This would be the first face-to-face meeting between Harper and the Phillies.
Does this mean that the Phillies have pulled out of the Machado sweepstakes? A recent report suggested that he had decided to sign with the New York Yankees. Though, there’s been no confirmation of said report.
Some MLB insiders believe that the Phillies can add both Machado and Harper in free agency. After acquiring Jean Segura and Andrew McCutchen, it’s not known if that’s even a possibility anymore.