After missing out on infielder Manny Machado, the Philadelphia Phillies have shifted all of their focus to signing free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Once Harper makes his decision, whether it's to sign with Philadelphia or elsewhere, the club will reportedly consider other remaining big-ticket free agents in starter Dallas Keuchel and/or closer Craig Kimbrel, Heyman adds. Keuchel is seen as the more likely candidate since the Phillies already signed David Robertson to anchor the bullpen, but Kimbrel apparently hasn't been ruled out.
Harper, who reportedly rejected multiple offers exceeding $300 million, has been linked to the Phillies the entire offseason, though other teams have emerged as suitors, with the San Francisco Giants looming as a possible destination.
If the Phillies shift gears to Keuchel, he would slot in as the team's lone left-handed option in a rotation that features Aaron Nola, Jake Arrieta, and potential breakout Nick Pivetta. Keuchel, the 2015 AL Cy Young winner, is coming off a season in which he went 12-11 with a 3.74 ERA.
Kimbrel's fit is less obvious, but he would help solidify an already impressive bullpen. The 30-year-old has amassed 333 saves with a sparkling 1.91 ERA over the first nine years of his career.
