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Zaidi: 'Mutual interest' between Giants, Harper after meeting

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The San Francisco Giants' president of baseball operations thinks there's "mutual interest" between the club and superstar free agent Bryce Harper.

Farhan Zaidi spoke to the media on Friday and updated reporters, including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, on the recent meeting between team officials and Harper.

"There’s obviously mutual interest on both sides so we thought it made sense to get together,” Zaidi said. “We had a good conversation over a few hours.

"He’s obviously got a lot of suitors and a lot of interest and has some decisions to make, but again, I think it’s fair to say that was an expression of our interest level, to make the trip out there."

The meeting included Zaidi, Giants CEO Larry Baer, manager Bruce Bochy, Harper and his wife, and agent Scott Boras. It reportedly lasted much longer than the team anticipated, notes Pavlovic, and finished with Zaidi talking to Boras on his private jet.

“It was really good to get to know Bryce,” Bochy said. “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen but I enjoyed the meeting with him.”

San Francisco reportedly is looking for outfield help to upgrade over Steven Duggar, Mac Williamson, and Chris Shaw, the team's projected outfielders for 2019.

In addition to the Giants, the Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and San Diego Padres also expressed interest in the 26-year-old throughout the winter, according to reports.

Harper, a six-time All-Star, hit .249/.393/.496 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs in 2018 for Washington. He won the NL MVP in 2015.

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