Although the San Diego Padres are reportedly in the mix for both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, they appear to have a preference between the two stars.
Machado makes more sense for San Diego because of the team's positional need at third base, but the Padres may be leaning towards Harper, reports Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, who adds the team's ownership is said to view Harper as a business and marketing opportunity.
A contingent of general manager A.J. Preller, general partner Peter Seidler, and manager Andy Green met with Harper in Las Vegas on Thursday.
Despite being considered a long shot, the Padres' representatives were "extremely prepared" and "seemed sincere" about acquiring the 26-year-old Harper, sources told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune.
San Diego has done background work on both Harper and Machado, and have also been linked to Miami Marlins All-Star J.T. Realmuto.
Harper has generated plenty of interest during the offseason and San Diego is among his four most active suitors, a source confirmed to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
While at least one other team remains involved on the periphery, the "overwhelming likelihood" is Harper will sign with one of the Padres, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, or Chicago White Sox, Morosi added.
Harper, the 2015 National League MVP, recorded 34 home runs and 100 RBIs in 159 games during the 2018 campaign.
He's already reportedly turned down a 10-year offer around $300 million in value from the Nationals and is reportedly seeking a record deal north of Giancarlo Stanton's $325-million contract.
