Bryce Harper Trade Rumors: Indians, Cubs Are Potential Suitors, Nationals Want Major Return

The Washington Nationals are at least considering trading Bryce Harper before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. EDT deadline, as first reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, a notion that would’ve been inconceivable just a few weeks ago. The defending NL East champions are gauging the market on their star player as they continue to perform like a team that will miss the playoffs.

Washington (52-53) has reportedly spoken to multiple teams to see the kind of package they might be able to get for Harper. The Cleveland Indians are one potential suitor, and the two organizations had trade discussions Monday, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi.

The Nationals only appear willing to trade Harper—a free agent in just a few months—for a King’s Ransom. ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian said that would mean getting a top starting pitcher and more. Washington has reportedly asked Cleveland for top prospect Triston McKenzie and right-hander Shane Bieber, who had a 1.47 ERA in 13 minor-league starts before being promoted to the majors earlier this season.

Cleveland could certainly use Harper in their pursuit of a championship. The Indians are well on their way to winning a weak AL Central, but they’ve got one of the worst hitting outfields in baseball.

ESPN’s Buster Olney named the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers as potential suitors for Harper. He seems to be one of the few reporters that believes there’s a good chance the outfielder will be dealt.

Maybe the Philadelphia Phillies would make an enticing offer for Harper. The team pursued Manny Machado and was considered the favorite to land the shortstop at one point before he was dealt to the Dodgers. Philadelphia engaged with the Baltimore Orioles in trade talks for Adam Jones, but the outfielder has a no-trade clause and doesn’t want to be dealt.

Philadelphia is expected to make a play for either Machado or Harper in the offseason when they become free agents. The stars could both sign contracts worth over $300 million this winter.

It’s unknown if the Nationals would actually trade Harper within the division. Philadelphia currently sits atop the NL East with a 5.5-game lead over Washington.

The Nationals could quickly make up ground on the Phillies and second-place Atlanta Braves. Neither team has been in the playoffs since 2014, and they appear to be a year ahead of schedule as far as contending for a title. Washington is a long shot to win a wild-card berth, considering they’d have to jump over six other National League teams.

After winning four division titles in six years, Washington seemingly has the talent to turn things around and make a push toward the postseason. Aside from Cy Young candidate Max Scherzer, many of the Nationals’ top players have been injured or have struggled for a large part of 2018.

That includes Harper, who is not having the kind of walk year that would command a record-setting contract. He’s hitting a career-low .220 to go along with his .369 on-base percentage and a .473 slugging percentage. The outfielder is on pace to finish with a WAR below 1.0 for the first time in his seven MLB seasons.

Harper had an MVP-worthy .319./.413/1.008 slash line last year in 111 games. He won the 2015 NL MVP award, hitting .330/.460/.649 and leading the league in OPS.