MLB Rumors: This NL Team Has ‘Checked In’ With Bryce Harper, Manny Machado

Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain a pair of baseball’s most highly sought-after free agents, even if it is taking some time for them to get signed.

And with the process being fairly methodical, it is allowing new teams to toss their hat into the ring.

On Wednesday, it was the San Diego Padres, according to FanCred Sports’ Jon Heyman. And their interest goes beyond just Harper and Machado.

While the Padres currently aren’t a legitimate postseason contender, adding Harper, Machado, or any of the other aforementioned players certainly would speed up their rebuild — especially with oodles of talent in the minor leagues.

Last offseason, the Padres made a pretty big commitment to Eric Hosmer, which proves they’re not unwilling to fork over significant cash for veteran players.

Whether or not Harper or Machado have any interest in San Diego is another story, but if the player interest is there, the Padres could present a pretty logical fit.