Bryce Harper Rumors: San Diego Padres Could Possibly Pair Manny Machado With Star By Making A Trade

When the San Diego Padres signed Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million contract, it appeared to take them out of the Bryce Harper Sweepstakes. That apparently is not the case, and the organization is at least interested in adding both star free agents.

Fancred’s Jon Heyman reported Thursday night that the Padres hadn’t ruled out signing Harper. MLB.com’s Jon Morosi said Friday morning that an agreement between the two sides is possible because they are still having conversations.

The Philadelphia Phillies are believed to be the favorites to land Harper, who is reportedly seeking a record-setting deal. That means getting more guaranteed money than the $325 million Giancarlo Stanton received in 2014.

It would be surprising to see San Diego give Harper a historic offer. They had one of the lowest payrolls in baseball last season. Adding both Machado and Harper would nearly double that payroll with just their salaries alone.

Morosi noted that adding Harper wouldn't increase the payroll much if the team found a way to trade Wil Myers. The 28-year-old is set to make $5.5 million in 2019, followed by a yearly salary of $22.5 million for three straight seasons. Unloading his contract would offset much of the cost of paying Harper, at least from 2020-2022.

Myers split his time between third base and the outfield last season. Machado is set to start at third base, and Harper would take a starting outfield spot if he joined the Padres.

Dealing Myers would be easier said than done. He missed half the season with injuries in 2018 and hit .253/.318/.446. He hit a career-high 30 home runs in 2017, though he’s never posted a .260 batting average or a .800 OPS in his four seasons with the Padres.

The Padres gave Eric Hosmer an eight-year, $144 million deal in free agency last year. The first baseman had a disappointing year in San Diego, posting his lowest OPS (.720) since 2014.

Philadelphia wasn’t willing to give Machado $300 million. Maybe they will surprise the rest of the league and fail to meet Harper’s demands, opening the door for San Diego.

Perhaps the Padres will decide they want to compete now and ownership will break the bank for another 26-year-old All-Star.