MLB rumors: Numbers 10-6
10) San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres will eventually become contenders again. They’ve shed lots of salary and could make a huge splash next offseason. Harper is a logical target, but an unlikely one. Until they can start heading in the right direction, Harper has little reason to choose them over the other 29 teams. Available payroll should still help make them a dark horse candidate.
9) Atlanta Braves
Don’t drop your jaw too hard to the floor when the Atlanta Braves make big signings next winter. Since they should get a few years out of top prospect Ronald Acuna on the cheap, it could make sense to pair him with Harper for the next few seasons.
8) Chicago White Sox
At some point, the Chicago White Sox need to remember they’re in a major city and have money to spend. Will it happen when Harper becomes a free agent? The team has already been a rumored destination for Manny Machado. I fully expect the White Sox to do whatever they can to add at least one of the top free agents next winter as they gear up for better days ahead.
7) New York Mets
For the New York Mets to land Harper, there will need to be a change in the ownership. The current frugal crew doesn’t even want to sign Mike Moustakas or Todd Frazier. So, it’s going to take significant changes for the Mets to become a possibility. Thankfully for those out in Flushing, the end could be near.
6) New York Yankees
How could the New York Yankees possibly afford an outfield that includes Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge? Well, Judge is still on his rookie contract. That’s important when it comes to money. Plus, it’s the Yankees. They can afford everyone. If they truly want to build the greatest threesome in MLB history, they can.