The San Diego Padres are meeting with star free agent Bryce Harper on Thursday in Las Vegas according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. It was reported earlier on Thursday that Harper was going to see a mystery team on Thursday and that other teams are trying to jump into the sweepstakes late by Chris Russell of 106.7 The Fan in Washington.
Harper, 26, hit .249/.393/.496 with 34 doubles, 34 home runs, 100 RBI, and major league leading 100 walks. He posted just a 1.3 bWAR and 3.5 fWAR though because of the worst defensive season (-26 DRS) of his career.
Jon Morosi of MLB Network notes that the four active suitors for Harper are the White Sox, Phillies, Nationals, and Padres. He also notes that at least one other team remains involved, but the four listed teams are more likely to sign Harper.
Meanwhile, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune notes that the Padres meeting with Harper is seen as due diligence, and San Diego is more interested in signing Manny Machado.
