Washington Nationals should resist urge to trade Bryce Harper
The Washington Nationals have reportedly placed Bryce Harper on revocable trade waivers. They need to resist the urge to part ways with the outfielder.
It is the time of year when every team puts virtually every player on their roster through revocable trade waivers. It is simply a matter of formality in August, a way to see if there is a trade out there worth making. Normally, such a move, unless a subsequent trade was to happen, would not be a topic of conversation.
The emphasis on normally has to come into play. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Washington Nationals have reportedly done so with Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy, placing both players on those trade waivers on Friday.
#Nationals put a number of players on revocable trade waivers yesterday, including Harper and Murphy, sources tell The Athletic. Team’s intentions not clear; virtually every player goes on waivers as matter of procedure this time of year. Nats 7 games out in NL East, 5 1/2 in WC.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 18, 2018
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In theory, this makes sense. After all, both Harper and Murphy are free agents after the season, so it is worth the Nationals while to see if either player can generate a worthwhile offer. As the Nationals are slowly running out of time to catch up to the Braves and Phillies, it makes sense to see what offers are out there, particularly for Murphy.
Yet, such a deal would not make sense for Harper. Even though he is likely gone after the season ends, the Nationals do have the option to extend a qualifying offer and receive draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere. Likewise, such a move would be an official white flag on the 2018 campaign.
Yes, time is running out for the Nationals to make their run. However, Harper has gotten hot over the past few weeks. Stephen Strasburg is coming closer to a return. Max Scherzer not only appears to be the frontrunner for the Cy Young award, but could get some votes as the NL MVP. A comeback would not be out of the question.
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However, a charge up the standings will not happen without Bryce Harper in the lineup. If the Washington Nationals are still entertaining thoughts of reaching the postseason this year, they should resist the urge to trade their star outfielder.