MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper Signing With Phillies Would Take Team Out Of Manny Machado Sweepstakes

The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to start the 2019 MLB season with Bryce Harper or Manny Machado on their roster. There has been speculation that the team might try to sign both superstars, but that possibility is looking increasingly unlikely.

According to a new report by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Philadelphia has made it clear during negotiations that they won’t sign both Harper and Machado. Since the Phillies are among only a handful of teams that are seriously pursuing baseball’s top free agents, their decision could ultimately determine where each player ends up.

The Phillies and Washington Nationals are the top contenders for Harper with the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers looking like possible, yet highly unlikely landing spots for the outfielder. It might be a two-team race between Philadelphia and Chicago for Machado, though the New York Yankees could always jump back into the fray.

Neither Harper nor Machado is expected to give any team a discount. Philadelphia has plenty of money to spend this offseason, and they can likely outbid anyone for the two 26-year-olds.

Let’s say Philadelphia decides to meet Machado’s $300 million-plus price tag. That would likely mean Harper will stay in Washington. If the Phillies instead decide to make Harper the highest-paid player in MLB history, the White Sox will become the immediate favorites to sign the prized infielder.

For much of the offseason, Philadelphia reportedly prefered to sign Machado. The four-time All-Star is a much better defender than Harper, and he’s been more consistent over the past few seasons. The Phillies appear willing to make Machado the biggest offer.

As spring training approaches, however, there are rumors that the Phillies might be changing their tune regarding a preference. Members of the front office were very impressed with Harper after meeting with him last weekend. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported that Philadelphia might shift their focus from Machado to Harper, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has reported that the Phillies are the clear-cut favorites to land Harper.

A lot can change over the course of what’s left of the offseason. Neither player seems to be in a rush to sign a contract, and they could remain unsigned deep into next month. Philadelphia hasn’t made Harper a formal offer, and no concrete offer from the Phillies to Machado has been reported.

The Phillies have signed outfielder Andrew McCutchen and reliever David Robertson this offseason. Philadelphia also traded for All-Star shortstop Jean Segura.