Philadelphia Phillies: Signing Bryce Harper means trading another star

If the Philadelphia Phillies sign Bryce Harper next winter, they will put themselves in a position to land another star, too. While they could look in free agency for additional help, a trade is a definite way to give them a boost.

Rumbles about where Bryce Harper will play in 2019 are abuzz. The Washington Nationals star is in the final year of his contract, prepared to enter the free agent pool in his mid-20s. One logical destination exists for him in Philadelphia where he could suit up for the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Phillies are a big market team with money to spend. With Jake Arrieta already locked up for three seasons, we should fully expect the Phillies to target every big name possible next winter.

If they land Harper, the next logical step is to make a trade. That’s because they already have a full outfield and will need to free up one of the corner outfield positions for him. Likely, this means Nick Williams isn’t digging his heels into right field at Citizens Bank Park.

Finding a trade partner for the Phillies

Assuming Williams is the one the Phillies do trade, we should look first at which teams could use a young outfielder. Additionally, we need to know what it is the Phillies need most. The obvious answer to the latter is starting pitching.

Arrieta and Aaron Nola are a solid combination at the top of the rotation. However, it’s not nearly enough. Dallas Keuchel is far and away the best free agent starting pitcher next winter. If the Phillies end up with Harper, he’ll fall out of reach.

Fortunately, Williams can headline a package in exchange for a talented starting pitcher.

A definite candidate for the Phillies to look at is Chris Archer of the Tampa Bay Rays. Often mentioned in trade rumors, Archer is one of the more talented players on the Rays. Although, if the Phillies are prepared to move on from Williams, I want them to shoot higher than an inconsistent arm like Archer.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Instead, they need to land a younger starter. He doesn’t have to be in his pre-arbitration years. He does, however, need youth on his side.

Two guys who fall into this category include are Michael Fulmer and Marcus Stroman. Both should cost a lot. If they are willing to pay the price, the Phillies can land either.

The Detroit Tigers are going through their own rebuild while the Toronto Blue Jays look poised to enter their own. By serving up some young talent to either organization, the Phillies can get back a stud pitcher in return.

Attempting to land Fulmer or Stroman might involve aiming a little too high. In that case, the Phillies could change their thought process and look at the market of older pitchers on the trade block. We’ll see better this year which names emerge as possibilities for the Phillies.

The Tigers and Blue Jays would both certainly benefit from adding Williams and other minor league talents. In that regard, each is a fine match.

Next: Stay away from these Fantasy duds

Next year’s free agency class should set up for a very active winter for all 30 MLB teams. Those in a rebuilding phase could decide to accelerate the process. One thing is for sure: the Phillies have the assets to add a whole ton of talent by every means available.