Report: Dodgers appear out on Harper as Nats emerge as favorite

Bryce Harper, in pursuit of one of baseball's richest contracts, remains a free agent. For the moment, one of his suitors appears to have bowed out of the race to reel him in.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been interested in Harper, but would reportedly prefer to lock him up with a deal in the four- or five-year range as opposed to the 10-year deal he and agent Scott Boras are seeking, according to Michael J. Duarte of NBC LA.

As such, the Washington Nationals, Harper's former team, are believed to be the favorites to sign the 26-year-old, sources told Duarte, adding that they'd be surprised if he signs elsewhere. The Nationals are reported to have recently increased their offer to the former National League MVP that is well in excess of $300 million.

No deal has been reached, however, and plenty of teams have been in pursuit of Harper's services this offseason. In addition to the Dodgers and Nationals, the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies have been seen as the most serious contenders.