Report: Padres never made formal offer to Harper
Any dreams of the San Diego Padres signing baseball's top two free agents to megadeals this offseason can probably be put to rest.
The Padres never submitted a formal offer to Bryce Harper, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Instead, they reportedly floated a "proposal" that was not to Harper's liking and no counter was offered.
After infielder Manny Machado signed a 10-year, $300-million contract with the Padres last week, the team was reportedly kicking the tires on Harper as well. It appears that door is now shut.
San Diego's interest in Harper was also called into question over the weekend when it was reported the club is more focused on bolstering its starting rotation.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been seen as Harper's most aggressive suitor, though the San Francisco Giants have been mentioned in recent weeks and the Los Angeles Dodgers have apparently re-entered the sweepstakes for the six-time All-Star.
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