Bryce Harper meeting with Padres as both sides determine level of interest
The San Diego Padres are meeting Thursday afternoon with free agent outfielder Bryce Harper in Las Vegas to determine whether they should actively pursue him.
The meeting is precursory to gauge interest from both sides, an official with direct knowledge of the talks told Paste BN Sports,. Harper lives in Las Vegas, a five-hour drive from San Diego, but the Padres are a small-market team and have a glut of young outfielders, although none with Harper’s talent.
The official requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the meeting and its purpose.
Harper, 26, has been actively engaged with the Philadelphia Phillies, and to a lesser extent, the Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals.
The only known offer Harper received was in September from the Nationals for $300 million over 10 years, which was slightly deferred. Harper has spent his entire career with Washington.
Harper rejected the deal with no counter offer. The Nats have since spent $200 million on the free agent market and insist their original offer is no longer on the table. It’s unknown whether owner Ted Lerner would make Harper another significant offer.
The Padres also have said they were interested in free agent third baseman Manny Machado if he falls in their price range. They have yet to meet with him but have spoken with his agent, Dan Lozano.
Spring training begins in just two weeks, but position players say they don’t need more than two weeks of camp to be ready for the season.
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