Bryce Harper Rumors: Mystery Teams in Pursuit of Star amid Phillies Links

Four days into February, Bryce Harper remains unsigned by an MLB team. But "mystery teams" are beginning to surface, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, as they always do:

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the well-known suitors for both Harper and Manny Machado, remain in the fray, as Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported:

Heyman later reported that "at least eight teams are still checking in on Harper," but noted a few are "likely thinking short-term."

It's hard to believe Harper and Machado, two of the most anticipated and talented free agents to ever hit the market—considering they are each 26 and in the middle of their prime years—remain unsigned. For the second straight offseason, MLB teams have played the waiting game, hoping to get elite talents at discounted rates.

But the idea that a "mystery team" is waiting in the wings, hoping to pounce after months of inactivity on the market, is also potentially disingenuous:

The Phillies, Washington Nationals and Chicago White Sox are the three teams that have been most consistently linked to Harper this offseason. The San Diego Padres reportedly have an upcoming meeting with Harper too, though that might be meant to generate positive buzz with the fanbase rather than represent real interest in signing the player.

The Nationals reportedly offered Harper a 10-year, $300 million extension, which he turned down. It's possible the Nationals leaked that offer to set a high market for Harper, with the rival Phillies long rumored to covet the superstar outfielder. But as Harper's free agency stretches into February, it's fair to question if he's yet to receive another offer in that ballpark.

It's all become an elaborate game of chicken, with neither Harper, Machado nor the clubs negotiating with them willing to blink. With spring training on the horizon, a resolution to this saga will come soon. Whether that's because a mystery team swoops in with a serious offer remains to be seen, but it's certainly possible.