Andrew McCutchen didn’t have much to say when asked about the idea of recruiting free agents at his introductory press conference earlier this afternoon, but one of his new teammates that happened to be in attendance sure did. Emerging team leader Rhys Hoskins, who notably shares an agent with Bryce Harper, talked about the Phillies’ recent improvements and made it clear that he’s been in touch with the superstar outfielder this offseason.

From Philly Voice:

Probably safe to assume that, yeah. It’s just more of me offering any look into what this city is like, what the organization is like, what the clubhouse is like, what [Gabe Kapler] is like. It’s me offering info to him, if he wants it, and I have expressed to him I’m here to chat if he wants it.

I like it, Rhys. Play it cool. Good strategy. Can’t say I’d do the same if I had that number. I’d be all over him–morning, noon, and night:

Me: You up?

Harper: Dude.

Me: Just thinkin’ about u.

Me: Hey, did you know it’s 369 ft. to the right field power alley at CBP? Only 330 ft. down the line?

20 minutes later…

Me: OMG, I totally just realized you’re slugging .564 with a .930 OPS and 14 homers there. That’s more HRs than any other visiting park! LOL

Harper: Why “lol”?

Me: Lol. I’m nervous. Please come.

Of course, Manny Machado, who will reportedly visit town later this week, is also in play. Hoskins was asked if he had a preference between the two:

They both do really, really good things. I think each guy brings something different, both on the field and off the field. Both do a really, really good (sic) at what they do. It’s hard for me to pick. I don’t even know where I would start.

He definitely wants Bryce. For what it’s worth (not much), the Phillies are the current betting favorite to land Harper, as we covered yesterday.