The Washington Nationals have spoken to some teams to determine what kind of return they could get if they decide they are willing to trade All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper, a source told ESPN's Tim Kurkjian, confirming multiple reports.
There has been speculation that with the team one game under .500 ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver trade deadline, the Nationals would consider dealing Harper and then look to bring him back as a free agent after the season.
But sources told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick that the chances of Harper being traded are extremely remote.
To make a deal for Harper, the Nationals would have to be overwhelmed and get everything they want -- a front-line starter and more -- a source told Kurkjian.
Harper, 25, is hitting .220 with 25 home runs and 62 RBIs in his free-agent season.
MLB.com reported that the Nationals have spoken to a few teams to gauge what kind of return they could get if they decide by Tuesday that they want to be sellers.
The Nationals, who were off Monday, enter Tuesday 5½ games out of first in the National League East, with the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves battling for the top spot.