Nightengale: Phillies To Meet With Bryce Harper Saturday

The Phillies will meet with star free agent outfielder Bryce Harper on Saturday in Las Vegas, sources told Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Along with infielder Manny Machado, Harper is considered to be one of the prized free agents available, and there's no shortage of interest in him. The Phillies aren't the only team hoping for Harper's services, the White Sox and Dodgers are also known to have met with Harper and the Nationals are still in the mix as well.

Harper, 26, hit .249 with 34 home runs and 100 RBIs last season with the Nationals. He played 159 games last season, both in right (116) and center field (63).

With plenty of financial flexibility, the Phillies are considered a legitimate contender for both Machado and Harper. The Phillies met with Machado on Dec 29, and are still hopeful to land one, if not both of the free agent stars.

It is expected that Phillies owner John Middleton, GM Matt Klentak, Harper's agent Scott Boras, and Harper will all be in attendance.

Middleton had stated back in November, that he intends to spend money this offseason and "maybe even be a little bit stupid" about it.