There are many big names in free agency this upcoming offseason but none are bigger than former Washington Nationals’ outfielder Bryce Harper and Orioles’ SS Manny Machado. Harper recently turned down a 10 year 300 million dollar offer from Washington, per reports. That’s a lot of money for anyone to turn down, even a superstar player like Harper.
Machado who was acquired by the Dodgers from the Baltimore Orioles on July 18th. He was a big part of the Dodgers success in the second half of the regular season. He helped them win a division title and led them back to the World Series.
The biggest question is which team will go after him and offer the right contract that fits with him. Since Harper turned down his recent contract, he will most likely be going to the highest bidder within the next few weeks.
Harper, who is only 26 years old, is still very much in the prime of his career. He has already excited not just Nationals fans, but all of baseball. With his power and determination, he on track to be something very special, not that he isn’t already.
Many teams are definitely showing high interest in him, but it depends on what contract he likes and where he feels he can do the most damage. Some top teams like the Cubs, Dodgers, and Yankees have already shown interest in Harper.
It’s definitely time for a change. Harper has had lots of success in Washington putting up outstanding numbers. He has played in the league for 7 seasons now, all with the Nationals, where he has posted a .279 average, 184 home runs, 521 RBIs. He has also won 3 MVP awards and made it to 6 All-Star teams.
Machado was acquired by the Dodgers from the Baltimore Orioles on July 18th for 5 young and up and coming prospects. He was a big part of the Dodgers success in the second half of the regular season. He helped them win a division title and led them back to the World Series.
It will be interesting to see what the Dodgers do with Machado. They could choose to re-sign him, but if they don’t, he will also be off to the highest bidder. Many teams would probably like to have his bat in the lineup and his amazing glove in the infield. Machado, who is also only 26 years old, is very young and still very much in the prime of his career.
Many teams were interested in Machado around the 2018 trade deadline, but it was the Dodgers who lucked out and got him.
There are many other big names out there that could be on a new team at the start of the 2019 season, which seems far away considering the World Series just ended a couple weeks ago. Though it’ll go by very fast and will be here before we know it. As always, we are all in for an exciting and action-packed offseason.
With the MLB general managers meeting opening up last week on Monday, there is a lot for all teams to discuss. Not just the big names like Harper and Machado but several other big name free agents who could have an impact on new teams. Many teams are likely talking trades as well. It is an exciting time for the MLB.