Washington Nationals not giving up on Bryce Harper just yet
By David Hill
The Washington Nationals are not expected to retain Bryce Harper, but that does not mean they are giving up on bringing him back just yet.
At this point, it is anyone’s guess as to where Bryce Harper will land in free agency. The New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox appear to be the favorites, as all three teams have money to spend. The Dodgers cleared away a large amount of salary in trading Matt kemp, Yasiel Puig, and Alex Wood to the Reds. And the Cubs have asked Scott Boras to check with them first before Harper puts the pen to the paper for a new contract.
Throughout all of the speculation, it wold appear as though the Washington Nationals are being left behind. They had offered Harper a ten year, $300 million contract shortly before the end of the season, only to have their offer turned down. Given how quickly Washington pivoted to Patrick Corbin, it would seem unlikely that the Nationals would be able to bring Harper back.
However, that door is not yet closed. The Nationals are still leaving the door open for Harper if he wants to return, no matter how unlikely a reunion may seem. As Lloyd Christmas would say, so you’re telling me there’s a chance?
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It is understandable as to why the Nationals would want to bring Harper back. he has become one of the faces of the franchise, the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft who lived up to his potential. While he has not exactly been consistent, having two years worthy of superstardom and two relatively average seasons, his overall .279/.388/.512 batting line and 184 homers over seven seasons are impressive. Last year was a relatively average year by his standards, as Harper produced a .249/.393/.496 batting line with 34 homers, 13 steals, and a league leading 130 walks. With Harper being only 26 years old added to the equation, one can understand why he is so coveted on the free agent market.
While the Nationals would understandably want Harper to return, he may be a luxury at this point. Their outfield is set to include Adam Eaton, burgeoning young star Juan Soto, and the possible favorite for the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year in Victor Robles. Even if Harper is willing to play first, the Nationals have the $20 million roadblock of Ryan Zimmerman at the position.
Obviously, talent wins out. If the Nationals do manage to bring Harper back, they will find a place for him in the lineup, one way or another. Robles could be held in the minors for another season, or Eaton could end up as a fourth outfielder, seeing action in three or four games a week, but at all three spots in the outfield. Zimmerman is not exactly a bastion of heath these days either, appearing in over 120 games only once in the past five years. There may be a way for the Nationals to get all of those players enough playing time.
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The Washington Nationals are not ruling out a reunion with Bryce Harper. It may be an unlikely scenario, but they are leaving the door open just in case.