By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Philadelphia Phillies — including Managing Partner John Middleton, Club President Andy MacPhail, General Manager Matt Klentak, Assistant GM Ned Rice, and Manager Gabe Kapler — returned from their meeting with superstar free agent outfielder Bryce Harper and his wife, Kayla, along with agent Scott Boras, on a positive note Saturday evening.
While Harper and the Phillies did not land a deal, despite rumored speculation, Middleton and Klentak, in particular, returned home with "high hopes."
"I think it was really positive," Middleton told WPVI, with Klentak adding, "Yeah, I do, too."
Phillies owner John Middleton & GM Matt Klentak tell @6abc their meeting with Bryce Harper in Las Vegas went well
Middleton:
"How can you not be excited when you talk to a player like Bryce Harper… I think it was really positive"@6abc#MLB#Phillies#BryceHarper pic.twitter.com/OS1VkXlEit— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) January 13, 2019
Middleton made a point to say that Harper has a "wonderful wife," and that the Phillies "really got to see 'the man'" in Harper.
"We watched the player play for years, but we got to understand the man … we got to understand what he would be like in the dugout, the clubhouse and the community," Middleton told WPVI. "He and his wife are a really impressive, young couple. [They] are really committed to each other and committed to their family, and committed to the community. It was really a good day to spend time with them."
Klentak said, in talking to WPVI, that he "echoes" what Middleton said in that "it was really impressive" to spend time with them, and get to know Bryce better, and answer his questions.
"We had to ask him some questions and learn about him," Klentak said. "I think that's a really important step in any negotiations, understanding what the other party is looking for."
"Now we will see where it takes us."
Phillies brass including owner John Middleton & GM Matt Klentak arrive back in Philly from Las Vegas after meeting with Bryce Harper today
Middleton & Klentak tell @6abc:
"it went well… how can you not be excited"Hear exclusively from Phillies next on @6abc #BryceHarper pic.twitter.com/lb10Hw7jIB
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) January 13, 2019
Klentak's final line resonates large. With Middleton himself traveling hours west to meet with the Harpers and Boras, there was speculation that the Phillies would offer a contract at the meeting. Klentak's last statement could suggest that an offer was made, and that the club will now have to "wait and see" for Harper's decision.
While the finish line has not been reached, it can be assumed that the Harper (and Manny Machado sweepstakes, too) are closer to ending than ever before.
