The Los Angeles Dodgers’ salary-clearing move on Friday made some believe that a pursuit of Bryce Harper would follow, and while it may still happen, it certainly doesn’t sound like the team’s top priority.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have not ruled out a pursuit of Harper. However, their more pertinent need is for a right-handed hitter, and they are engaged in trade talks.
The #Dodgers certainly aren't dismissing the possibility of pursuing Bryce Harper,but acknowledge they are badly in need of a right-handed hitter on a team loaded with lefties in Bellinger, Muncy, Seager, Pederson, Verdugo and Toles. They're active in trade market for catcher/2B.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2018
The state of the Dodgers is probably the best argument against a pursuit of Harper. He’s a left-handed hitting outfielder and the Dodgers are not lacking in lefties or outfielders. That, in addition to the financial realities of the situation, make it more likely that the Dodgers will trade for a right-handed bat at a position of need and make that their major offseason move. An attempt to do something like re-engaging the Miami Marlins regarding J.T. Realmuto makes more sense than Harper does right now.
