Manny Machado, Bryce Harper Rumors: Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies In The Hunt But Which Team Is Predicted To Sign Them?

Entering the 2018-19 MLB offseason, there were two names on the minds of most general managers: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado. By mid-December, both players are still available and awaiting their astronomical contracts.

Teams looking to spend big this offseason include the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. But other teams may be in the hunt. The Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs could also make a move for either player.

At about this date last year, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman jokingly said he "hadn't noticed" that there "is a big free-agent class next winter."

Phillies owner John Middleton went as far as to tell USA Today that "we’re going into this expecting to spend money and maybe even be a little bit stupid about it."

As for the Yankees, well, they are the Yankees. An offseason in pursuit of a big bat has always been part of their playbook.

Harper, who spent his entire career with the Washington Nationals, and Machado, who most recently played with the Dodgers, are both expected to play for a new team.

But which team will sign them?

​Bryce Harper

The Yankees, Phillies and other teams will test the waters with Harper. But the Dodgers seem like they are the frontrunners.

Friedman appears willing to trade Yasiel Puig, which then comfortably slots Harper in right field. By offloading Puig, and letting free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal walk, the Dodgers will clearly have the resources to sign Harper and fans will quickly overlook losing Puig's charm with a bat like Harper's in the lineup behind Justin Turner.

Harper's agent Scott Boras might notice that a lot of teams are not quite as interested in shelling out a huge contract as previously thought. Harper could accept what might be perceived as a less lucrative offer from Los Angeles, where he can be close to his Las Vegas home and still compete for a World Series.

Prediction: Dodgers

Manny Machado

It seems a given that the Phillies will add either Harper or Machado. There had been speculation for several months that Machado was high on Philly's radar and he still looks like an ideal fit. After spending nearly his entire career in Baltimore, it would be an easy transition to make the move to Philadelphia. Most importantly for Machado, he would get his huge payday.

By signing Machado, the Phillies would get what they have long desired: a big-name bat after achieving World Series success with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Though Machado didn't live up to expectations with the Dodgers in the second half and postseason, he is still an extraordinary talent. At Citizens Bank Ballpark and in the NL East, Machado can routinely hit at least 30 home runs a season.

Philadelphia fans will love Machado's defense and with Andrew McCutchen also added, there will be plenty of optimism on opening day after several subpar seasons.

Prediction: Phillies