Report: Phillies may shift focus to Bryce Harper after excellent meeting

The Philadelphia Phillies’ meeting with free agent outfielder Bryce Harper was apparently so successful that they may feel bullish enough to make him their primary free agent target.

According to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Phillies had such a good meeting with Harper that the team may shift toward making him their top priority instead of Manny Machado, who they have been pursuing more aggressively.

It is unclear if the Phillies made a formal contract offer to Harper. However, it is indicated that they came away deeply impressed with Harper and his wife Kayla, and the team is very motivated to land one of the two top free agent stars on the market.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale echoed the reports, stating that the five-hour meeting was so successful that the Phillies have moved ahead of the Washington Nationals as consensus frontrunners for the free agent outfielder.

There have been some reports that the Phillies are willing to pay up for Harper, too. Saturday’s meeting could prove to be a turning point in the free agent pursuit of the high-profile slugger.