Current Nationals, Former Yankees Hitting Coach: Phillies ‘Are the Team’ for Bryce Harper

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

The stars are aligning more and more toward Bryce Harper signing with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Not only did New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Monday evening that the club has "no spot" for Harper, but their former hitting coach (2007-2014) and current Washington  Nationals hitting coach, Kevin Long, offered more insight that favors Harper donning red pinstripes in 2019.

In conversation with 1070 The Fan's Dan Dakich, Long said that the Phillies "are the team" to sign the superstar outfielder.

The Harper sweepstakes is down to three teams: the Phillies, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers, according to NBC Los Angeles' Michael J. Duarte's rival executive source.

Duarte continued that "a lot of other moves would need to be made first" for the Dodgers to sign Harper, and that he was told the Dodgers are "hesitant to meet Boras' asking price."

SportsTalkPhilly.com's Latest Harper Coverage:

• Cashman: Yankees Have 'No Spot' for Harper, Remain Interested in Machado
• Kevin Frandsen: Harper Would 'Thrive, Fit in Just Perfect' With Phillies
• Brad Lidge: Bryce Harper Could ‘Go Crazy’ in Citizens Bank Park
• Phillies Hot Stove: Boras, Harper Could Put On ‘Big Show’ at Winter Meetings
• Salisbury: Harper 'Plays Hard, Hustles' Despite 'Showman's Personality'
• Phillies Hot Stove: Club's Interest in Harper 'Lining Up' Like Thome Acquisition in December 2002
• Hoskins on Machado, Harper: Always 'Right Time' to Add 'Generational Player'
• Report: 'Bank' on the Phillies to Sign Bryce Harper
• Bryce Harper Follows Joel Embiid, Rhys Hoskins on Instagram
• Harper’s Agent ‘Pretty Good Buddies’ With Phillies Managing Partner Middleton