Sources: Padres schedule meeting with Harper
Jeff Passan says the Padres’ interest in Bryce Harper is real and San Diego has the money to pay him. (0:40)
The San Diego Padres are scheduled to meet with free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Thursday in Las Vegas, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The Athletic first reported the news.
What happens when half of the league forgets to light its hot stove? Three weeks from spring training, we’re witnessing it in an offseason trend that’s here to stay.
Manny in pinstripes? Bryce in the Bronx? The rumor mill might be telling us otherwise. But Bombers fans like big offseason splashes — and usually get them.
It is unknown if the Padres are just doing their due diligence or if they are serious about bidding to sign Harper.
The Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox are the only other teams known to have shown serious interest in Harper.
Harper, the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year and 2015 MVP, led the Nationals with 34 homers, 100 RBIs and 130 walks last season. He also tied for the team lead with 103 runs and made the All-Star team for the sixth time in seven seasons.
According to multiple reports, Harper turned down a 10-year, $300 million offer from the Nationals before becoming a free agent.