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Phillies: Favorite or long shot for top 2 free agents

By Tal Venada

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harrper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Mannny 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 Harrper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Mannny 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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If Harper is still available in early February, the Phillies will have a shot to sign him. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images. /

Hometown nine:         

Because neither Kingery nor Crawford has distinguished himself offensively, signing Machado would leave Kingery and Crawford without everyday roles. But Carlos Santana and Cesar Hernandez will be free agents after the 2020 campaign, and the Phillies could swap them prior to that.

In right field, Harper could fill an open position if he is still available in February because super agent Scott Boras will be angling for the best deal. But that is the spot Harper could be in with spring training on the horizon. Granted, the odds are against the Phils signing both Machado and Harper.

Inking Harper fills a need with left fielder Rhys Hoskins switching to first base, right fielder Nick Williams moving to left, and Quinn starting in right. But the speedster has yet to prove he can stay healthy for even 100 games.

As for Hernandez, Klentak could trade him after the upcoming season with his free agency only a year away. Then, Kingery and/or Crawford could replace Hernandez. But if both prove they can be regulars, third base could be available the following July or October. Translation: doable!

After crunching 2018’s numbers, Klentak might realize Hernandez had batted .294 in consecutive summers before a new method of working counts and launch angles led to a .253 average. And since his stats are staring them in the face, will they slightly alter their approach?

At July’s 2020 deadline, Kingery will be 26 with his whole career ahead of him, and he’ll be closer to making an impact. Working also toward making his mark, Crawford will be 25, so neither will miss an opportunity to shine in the majors.

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