The Bryce Harper-to-the-Phillies talk is in full effect thanks to the latest rumor.
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury reported on Friday night that Phillies owner John Middleton’s private plan was in Las Vegas and that talks were “clearly ongoing” between the club and former NL MVP.
A source in Las Vegas tells me that Phillies owner John Middleton’s plane is on the ground in that city. Vegas is Bryce Harper’s home town. No other details, but talks clearly ongoing.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) February 23, 2019
Phillies reporter Matt Gelb confirmed the report.
Can confirm @JSalisburyNBCS’s report that John Middleton’s private jet is in Las Vegas, home to Bryce Harper. It’s unclear who from the Phillies organization was on the plane.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) February 23, 2019
Time is running out on the offseason and free agents who have dragged out their decisions are starting to accept offers. Manny Machado signed with the Padres, Marwin Gonzalez signed with Minnesota, and Harper is still left.
Reports have said the Padres, White Sox and Nationals are all out on Harper, which leaves the Phillies as the last team standing. What’s one issue that could be standing in the way? A recent report said Harper is not a fan of Philadelphia.
The Phillies would be the perfect home for Harper. His passion for baseball is matched by the passion of their fans. They need a slugger. And he would crush the ball at Citizens Bank Park, which is hitter-friendly.
