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Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper’s free agency decision based on 2018 results

By Jacob Chatfield

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals looks on against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game two of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 07: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals looks on against the Chicago Cubs in the third inning during game two of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Bryce Harper is set to enter the most anticipated free agency in MLB history when this season concludes. How will the 2018 results for the Washington Nationals impact his decision?

It’s not every year that a 26-year old former MVP is available to any team that can afford him. But such will be the case when Bryce Harper’s rookie contract with the Washington Nationals expires this offseason. He’s bound to get multiple offers within shouting distance of half a million, so how will this season influence his likelihood to stay in the capital?

Falling short of a World Series title

It’s no secret that the start to 2018 isn’t what fans of the Washington Nationals hoped for. It doesn’t help that every other team in the NL East is outplaying expectations. I’d still consider the Nationals favorites to take the division, especially when considering their injuries this season, but it’s certainly a real threat that the Braves or Mets could usurp the Nationals for the division title.

Should the Nationals fall short of winning it all, it would surely put a damper on the Nationals’ hopes of retaining their star outfielder. Harper and the Nationals for that matter have never played a postseason game beyond the NLDS. Another NLDS elimination could hurt Harper’s faith in the organization.

But conversely, could Harper really leave Washington without having brought home a title? That’s likely all he’s dreamed of since 2010. Were he to depart, under those circumstances, his new signing might be received similarly to how Kevin Durant’s signing with the Warriors was.

Winning it all

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If the Nationals outlast the Braves and Mets and take the division, they’d have as good of a chance as anyone to win it all. Their injuries have kept them from playing to their potential, but the tools are all still there.

While it’s possible, Harper could attain a “did my job” attitude, it seems that a World Series-winning season would be the least likely to chase Harper away. He’d become the star that was drafted, came up in the organization and ultimately lead them to their first title. If he hasn’t already, that would undeniably crown him as Mr. Washington.

Harper’s legacy with the Washington Nationals and beyond

Franchise players tend to leave more handsome legacies on not only their team but MLB. For Bryce Harper, he has the chance to go down as the first great National. Players don’t have the same impact on organizations when they bounce between them.

Next: Boston Red Sox farm system is in big trouble

Whoever signs Bryce Harper in the offseason, it’s bound to be where he spends the majority of the career. And fortunately for them, all signs point to Harper staying in Washington.

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