Patrick Smith / Staff
Bryce Harper is a free agent after this season and there are projections that the slugger’s next mega-contract could be worth $400 million, maybe even $600 million (Keep in mind that largest contract in MLB history is Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million deal). That sounds a little too rich for the Washington Nationals (who made a total of $311 million in revenue in 2017) and more of a figure that the Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox or Cubs could more easily afford. Since the Nationals are struggling this year and currently 5.5 games out of the playoffs, Washington is reportedly exploring trading their franchise cornerstone ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
The Nationals’ clubhouse is allegedly a “mess” and it shows on the field where they have been dreadful in the last month. There are many reports that the Nationals have put Harper on the block ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm trade deadline. ESPN’s Buster Olney believes Harper will be traded today.
By the end of the day today, @Buster_ESPN expects Bryce Harper to no longer be a National. pic.twitter.com/dGg1vX3Nu6
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 31, 2018
Here are three teams that could trade for Bryce Harper.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians are looking for an outfielder since their center fielder Greg Allen struggling mightily batting only .210 with a .245 OBP. Acquiring Harper and batting him cleanup behind the team’s great table-setters of Francisco Lindor, Michael Brantley, and Jose Ramirez would provide some needed pop.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs want to maximize their time with their stupendous young core of talent. With center fielder Albert Almora Jr. struggling in recent weeks, they too may want to solidify their lineup for the playoffs. Plus, Kris Bryant’s nagging shoulder injury has put him on two DL stints recently and could hinder him throughout the season and postseason. Not to mention if the Cubs win the World Series, would Harper actually leave after celebrating a championship parade in Chicago?
Los Angeles Dodgers
Sure the Dodgers already traded for one superstar in Manny Machado, but what’s to prevent them from snagging two superstars? The Dodgers still have a deep enough farm system to pull off another superstar rental trade. Could you imagine being a pitcher and having to face off against Cody Bellinger, Manny Machado, and Bryce Harper in a row? Not to mention Max Muncy and Yasmani Grandal who are having excellent seasons.
UPDATE: Then there’s this news that just hit that says Bryce isn’t going anywhere.
Mike Rizzo just reached out with this message:
"Bryce is not going anywhere. I believe in this team."
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 31, 2018