Braves reportedly involved in Bryce Harper sweepstakes

The list of teams that are interested in Bryce Harper is not all that long due to the obvious financial commitment it would take to sign him, but at least one surprise team is reportedly keeping its eye on the star outfielder.

While the Atlanta Braves have given indications this offseason that they do not want to sign a player to a contract worth more than $300 million, David O’Brien of The Athletic believes they are very much interested in Harper.

Despite any posturing you might hear now, don't be surprised if #Braves are players in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes. I keep hearing things that make me believe they will be.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 19, 2018

As Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports notes, the Braves are in need of an outfielder and have money to spend.

braves freed $ for this year in kemp deal, need an OF. new team in mix for harper? https://t.co/nF9n4HMgZH

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 19, 2018

Braves GM Alex Anthoplous has cautioned against committing so much money to one player, but that could be his way of trying to lurk in the shadows. We know teams like the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are going to be in on trying to sign Harper, so Atlanta still seems like a long-shot. However, there always seems to be one surprise team that enters the mix for the top free agent on the market. The Braves could be that team this winter.