Report: Bryce Harper unlikely to sign before Manny Machado does

The top two free agents on the MLB free agent market are waiting until January to sign, and it appears that one is going to go first.

Outfielder Bryce Harper remains in limbo, according to Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA, as he is likely to sign only after Manny Machado does. Machado is expected to sign in January, with some considering the New York Yankees the frontrunner.

If Machado joins the Yankees, Duarte reports that the Philadelphia Phillies will likely increase their efforts to land Harper.

Anything on Bryce Harper is not expected to come until after the New Year, and likely after Manny Machado contract details are announced. IF Machado does sign with #Yankees, expect #Phillies to increase their pursuit of Harper. #Dodgers

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) December 28, 2018

In other words, this will drag on for at least another week. The Phillies have been linked to both Harper and Machado, but haven’t appeared close on either. They have a lot of money to spend and a desire to land a big name, so while reports indicate that their interest up until now has been overblown, that may well change if he becomes the only game in town.