Bryce Harper Rumors: White Sox Considered Long Shot for Ex-Nationals Star

The Chicago White Sox are reportedly considered a "long shot" to land superstar free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper.

Jon Heyman of Fancred reported the update Friday and noted the South Siders face competition from the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals, who remain interested in bringing Harper back after he spent his first seven MLB seasons with the club.

Chicago has made some modest upgrades to its roster during the offseason by acquiring starting pitcher Ivan Nova, first baseman Yonder Alonso and closer Alex Colome in a series of trades.

Signing Harper would be more of a transformative move for the Chi Sox as they attempt to turn a corner in their rebuilding efforts after posting a 62-100 record in 2018.

Although the 26-year-old Las Vegas native is probably focused on contract value and the ability to contend for championships during what will likely be a long-term contract, the Windy City could have an ace up its sleeve in negotiations.

"Favorite food? Probably Chicago," Harper told TMZ Sports in November. "They got great food. I like this place called Steak 48, it's really good. Deep dish of course. Anywhere in New York of course you know you can always go out there and eat good food. That's huge for us."

The 2015 National League MVP would join Alonso and Jose Abreu to create a formidable middle of the order for the White Sox, though the team's overall roster still falls behind Philadelphia and Washington in terms of title contention in the immediate future.

Harper and high-profile agent Scott Boras haven't provided a timetable for a decision with MLB's free-agent market once again moving at a sluggish pace.