Cubs Rumors: Bryce Harper decision expected in the coming days?

For the few of you still hoping for a Bryce Harper signing, the latest Cubs rumors regarding the former National League MVP won’t do much to boost your hopes.

I woke up on Monday morning, thinking it would be a good day. Why not? I just got back from a week in Florida for work, got a little bit of a tan and, over the weekend, I fooled my right arm into thinking it just might be able to play weekend league baseball this summer. Then, on the train, I checked in for a Spring Training Cubs rumors update and the day immediately took on a bit of a sour note.

According to Jesse Sanchez, the Los Angeles Dodgers have jumped back into the Bryce Harper fray in recent days. Reportedly, L.A. skipper Dave Roberts and a contingent were spotted in Las Vegas – where Harper had also met with Phillies owner John Middleton over the weekend.

Now, to be sure, I still think the Dodgers remain a bit of a long-shot, simply because they prefer to bring Harper in on a short-term deal. Meanwhile, according to Ken Rosenthal, Scott Boras is still pushing for a 10-year deal similar to what the San Diego Padres gave Manny Machado late last week.

Knowing Boras (and Harper, for that matter) – I’d put the odds at absolutely zero that he settles for a deal of or around that length that falls short of Machado’s in any way, shape or form. But with Clayton Kershaw sidelined with an undisclosed injury, could the Dodgers front office push past their comfort zone and go after the slugging outfielder?

The odds of that happening are far from zero, Cubs fans.