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Harper has reportedly nixed deals in the $300-million range. If the Padres are still a bidder, their offer would likely need to be higher.

MLB hot stove: Padres remain interested in adding Bryce Harper, report says

The Padres still appear to be pursuing free agent Bryce Harper, according to Fancred Sports.

Padres ownership will reportedly meet Friday to discuss Harper. Signing him is "not seen as a likelihood, but apparently not out of the question, either."

hard as it is to believe, the padres have not ruled out signing bryce harper, too. ownership will meet tomorrow to see if they can make it 2 for 2 on this winter's mega stars. not seen as a likelihood, but apparently not out of the question, either.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2019

The ink has barely dried on Manny Machado's record 10-year, $300 million contract — the Padres and Machado made it official Thursday — but the team still has salary space to add Harper. It was reported Wednesday Harper has turned down several deals in the $300-million range. If the Padres are still a bidder, their offer would likely need to be higher.

Philadelphia is still the strong favorite to land Harper. Philly.com reported Thursday the team is "confident" it will sign the slugging outfielder. Yet every day no deal is reached the situation remains open to uncertainty.

The Nationals, however, are apparently out: MLB.com reported Wednesday Washington has "no plans" to give Harper a deal comparable to Machado's, "likely ending any chance for Washington’s longtime face of the franchise to remain with the club."

The White Sox were likewise reported to be out of the running on Wednesday.

If the Padres do, in fact, land Harper, the cornerstones of the franchise are set for years. If they can trade some of that farm talent for pitching — San Diego leads the way with 10 of the top 100 prospects on MLBPipeline.com — this could be a scary team.

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