Latest Bryce Harper Speculation Puts Phillies In Driver's Seat

Speculation on which MLB team will sign free agent RF Bryce Harper is heating up, and sources said that the Phillies have "gained confidence they will land" either Harper or Manny Machado. League sources indicated that the "Phillies’ risk of losing out on both stars is mitigated by the apparent lack of interested teams" and the club’s "financial wherewithal." Around MLB, there is "increasing skepticism about how this can unfold without the Phillies somehow involved" (THEATHLETIC.com, 1/15).

Cubs manager Joe Maddon, when asked if his team could sign Harper, said, "Not going to happen" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/16). The N.Y. POST goes with the header, "Yankees, Bryce Harper Need Each Other -- And Would Be Perfect Fit."