Manny Machado, Bryce Harper Rumors: Which Teams Have The Best Shot At Landing The Free Agent Stars?

The free-agent landscape has certainly shifted after the 2018 MLB season. Spring training begins in 19 days and there is still no deal for the two best free agents, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. The wait may very well continue in the coming weeks, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that both players are not close to signing a deal.

At the moment, there is no clear frontrunner, though it's hard to imagine that the Philadelphia Phillies aren't ready to swoop in and make a serious offer to either or both players. Mike Sielski of the Philly.com pointed out that there are a number of considerations to take into account after the lackluster results of Albert Pujols' 10-year, $254-million contract.

With the Los Angeles Dodgers likely out of the running after signing A.J. Pollock, the Washington Nationals and the Phillies seem to have the best shot at Harper. There haven't been any reports of the Chicago White Sox giving up on both Harper and Machado, though general manager Rick Hahn said in late January that the White Sox won't sign both.

MLB Network's insider Jon Heyman stated that Machado is "unlikely" to end up with the New York Yankees. While that currently may be the case, it would not be surprising if the Yankees pounce on a deal for Machado if they think they can outbid a bargain offer. The Yankees met with Machado in December but seem reluctant to sign another huge contract after inking a deal with Giancarlo Stanton for $325 million.

Then there's the San Diego Padres. David Schoenfield of ESPN touched on how the Padres' interest in Harper actually has some merit, after general partner Peter Seidler, general manager A.J. Preller and manager Andy Green met with the slugger on Thursday night in Harper's hometown of Las Vegas.

The Padres, who have stockpiled prospects while watching the Dodgers own the National League West, can finally decide to open up their pocketbooks and have a huge bat in the lineup while surrounding him with young stars.

Heyman reported that the Padres appear to be one of three teams interested in Machado, along with the White Sox and Phillies.