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Philadelphia Phillies: Winter’s buy-a-bat forecast

By Tal Venada

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Keuchel is one of two southpaw starters who will draw attention away from Machado and Harper. Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images. /

More teams than stars:

Of the seven clubs pursuing Machado or Harper, this article covers them in reverse order of competitiveness for Klentak. But all are a threat to overpay for either star who can be productive for 10 seasons. For clarity, $35 million for each of 10 summers is the midpoint between $30-40 million.

Franchises with biding possibilities other than the Phillies:

  • New York (AL): Machado for third base.
  • Los Angeles (NL): Harper for right field.
  • San Francisco: Harper for right field.
  • Milwaukee: Machado at shortstop.
  • Atlanta: Harper for right field.
  • Cleveland: Harper as a corner outfielder.
  • Chicago (NL): Machado at shortstop.

While the Cubs have offensive holes at short and in right field, Jason Heyward is unlikely to opt out of his $106 million pact through 2023. Realistically, Chicago (NL) has occasionally exceeded the Luxury Tax minimum, but Machado could put them over 2019’s $206 million mark by about $20 million annually.

As for the Cleveland Indians, they will need corner outfielders, and they have the salary space to increase their payroll. But the question is their financial philosophy and their willingness to spend $35 million per campaign on Harper. Or are they like the St. Louis Cardinals who steer clear of bidding wars?

While the new Atlanta Braves’ GM preferred evaluation for ’18, he may address replacing right fielder and free-agent Nick Markakis, 35, who had a career year. Additionally, the exec will not want to fall back after winning the division. But will the Braves raise their spending to $20 million more than their previous high?

Regarding the Milwaukee Brewers, they had some interest in Machado for their middle infield shortcomings in July before competing with the Cubbies for the NL Central title. That stated, $35 million per annum could be too steep for the Brew Crew. So, will they decide on a bat or a rotation arm this offseason?

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