Cubs shoot down report of Bryce Harper meeting

The Chicago Cubs remain a non-factor in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes.

Rumors began spreading across social media on Saturday that the Cubs quietly met with Harper on Friday, though even those rumors cautioned that no deal was anywhere near close. The rumors also turned out to be false, at least according to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, with a Cubs source saying there was no truth to that story.

Groundhog Day update: The Cubs did not meet with Bryce Harper on Friday, a source told The Athletic, dismissing one Harper rumor that's out there. For months, the Cubs have been clear about their expectations and limitations re: doing that kind of megadeal this winter.

— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 2, 2019

The Cubs have made clear over and over that Harper just isn’t on their radar. There is no reason to believe that stance is about to change, no matter what rumors pop up online.