The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, but they haven’t been an under-the-radar factor all offseason — and may not be a big factor now.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the weekend meeting on Monday, but added that it was the first time that the team had met with Harper during his free agency. He also downplayed the significance of the meeting, adding that he was “not too hopeful” of being the outfielder’s ultimate destination.
Dave Roberts said yesterday’s meeting was the first the Dodgers have held with Bryce Harper.
— Pedro Moura (@pedromoura) February 25, 2019
#Dodgers Dave Roberts on chances of signing Bryce Harper after meeting: "I'm not too hopeful or anything. It's just something that's — it's just talk. It's just conversation."
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 25, 2019
It’s possible, if not likely, that the Dodgers have been in contact with Harper’s representatives to keep tabs on the situation without actually diving headlong into it until now. It’s also not clear just how interested the Dodgers really are, as reports indicate that only one team is offering a true long-term deal, and it isn’t them. It bears watching, as teams don’t really take meetings if they’re not at least somewhat serious, but there are also some reasons to doubt whether the Dodgers can ultimately land the star outfielder.
