The MLB free agent class of 2018-2019 will set numerous records. Some of the game’s best players will head into the free agent pool including Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper. When he does, Harper will have turned a fresh 26-years-old. For any free agent at this age, particularly one as talented as Harper, a huge contract is on its way.
Until recently, it seemed as if Harper was going to headline this class. Then, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado began to put up some amazing numbers. Machado is only a few months older than Harper and quite possibly the reason why the Nationals will have a chance to re-sign their star outfielder.
A lot of money will float around in the 2018-2019 offseason. The recent consensus seems to be that Harper is no longer the guy poised to receive the highest total amount. Machado, whose career WAR is higher than Harper’s, may actually end up richer once he puts his ink on paper.
There is plenty to like about Harper, but even more to adore about Machado. The defense Machado has provided the Orioles is on the level of Brooks Robinson. His bat has been phenomenal too with a career slash line of .294/.343/.533. Meanwhile, Harper has hit a slightly weaker .279/.382/.501.
Teams will bid on their preferred player during the epic offseason. While Harper is limited to the outfield, Machado would fit the need for any team looking to add a third baseman or even a shortstop.
It would seem the Nationals’ chances at keeping Harper are limited given the money they have on the payroll specifically owed to Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. The $400 million total associated with both is an incredibly high number only the richest teams can afford.
Machado’s continued progression might be the best way to keep Harper in Washington. Machado and Harper have become the two most notable free agents two years from now. If everyone ends up wanting Machado over Harper, the Nationals would have an opportunity to keep their star outfielder at a slight discount.
Completely unknown is how much of a hometown discount Harper would already give Washington. He has spent his entire career there, but it’s not like they gave him any special opportunity to play. Harper was going to make the big leagues regardless of which emblem he wore on his baseball cap.
It’s not likely that Harper simply settles for less just because everyone is focusing on Machado. The Nationals must still crack every piggy bank at Nationals Park to afford him. Plenty of teams will head into that offseason looking to sign a big name player with third base occupied. This could shift their eyes to Harper.
At least for now, Harper seems to have fallen into second place. Machado does not have the national popularity as Harper does. He is still equally as talented, if not more so. MLB general managers know this and will make a corresponding action.
Over the next two seasons, the debate will rage on. Harper has already fallen behind Mike Trout when arguing which young outfielder is the most elite player in MLB. Next, it’s Machado who looks ready to pass him. This time, instead of pure talent, it’s dollars.
Tim Boyle is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB covering the Washington Nationals. Follow Tim on Twitter.
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