Washington Nationals should not trade Bryce Harper
By Drew Douglas
Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper has struggled in 2018, but he should not be traded. If the Nats are going to contend, he will be a key piece.
Everyone knew that 2018 would be a big year for Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals. The Nats are hosting the All-Star week in mid-July, appeared to be a legitimate World Series contender, and their 25-year-old superstar is in the most anticipated contract year ever.
Unfortunately, the season has not gone well for Harper or the Nats. The Nats find themselves third in the NL East and seven games behind the Atlanta Braves. The team’s struggles cannot be blamed on one player, but Harper has not helped.
In a year in which Harper was expected to hit .400 with 70 homers prior to signing a historic contract, he has not hit his weight. As of July 3, he owns a .217/.365/.483 slash line. His .217 batting average ranks 147th among the 162 qualified hitters. He has had a disappointing season, to say the least.
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Despite owning an abysmal batting average, Harper has displayed some power. His 21 homers lead the NL, and he will likely be participating in the Home Run Derby at Nationals Park in a couple weeks.
Now the Nats are in a sticky situation. They are not a lock to make the postseason, and Harper is set to become a free agent in four months. This combination has led to the unforeseen debate of whether the Nats should trade Harper now or hold onto him and see what happens.
On one hand, the Nats have a generational talent capable of replenishing the farm system. He likely would not garner a top prospect, as he is a rental, but the Nats could get a nice prospect in return.
The Nats also have three other starting caliber outfielders in Adam Eaton, Juan Soto, and Michael Taylor, so Harper’s void would be filled easier than you might expect.
On the other hand, Harper could return to form and lead the Nats to the postseason. It certainly would not be the first time he carried the team. Perhaps the All-Star Break is exactly what he needs to reset.
All things considered, the Nats should not trade Harper. Even if he departs in free agency this winter, he has the potential to put the Nats on his back. It is only a matter of time before he figures everything out and returns to form.
A Harper trade would also be viewed as giving in. Although the Nats’ outfield would still be a strength without Harper, the team and fans may perceive the trade as conceding. If the Nats are going to make the postseason, every player must believe that it is possible. Trading Harper sends mixed messages and may prohibit that.
Finally, Harper’s value is at an all-time low. He would just be a rental and he is struggling like never before. If the Nats were ever going to trade Harper, this would be the worst possible time. They would be wise to wait it out and hope he returns to form.
Next: Nats could make blockbuster trade with the Rays
A few months ago, nobody would have expected Bryce Harper to be a potential trade candidate. Although the Washington Nationals could surprise everyone and pull the trigger, don’t hold your breath for a possible trade.