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MLB Free Agents: Bryce Harper & Manny Machado hang with Chicago friends

By Kristen Bentley

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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Speculation increased about the two hottest MLB free agents future landing spots after the pair spent vacation time with friends from Chicago in the past few days.

Both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado – the two hottest MLB free agents on the market – spent time with their connections from the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.

Both moments with friends were shared on social media, which of course, begs the question: were the friends busy recruiting?

The first moment appeared on Instagram as Machado was golfing with his brother-in-law Yonder Alonso at a posh course in Miami. He was also with Danny Valencia, who also played for the Orioles.

Could the moment be just some bros out on the golf course? Or, was there something more to it? Alonso recently joined the White Sox in a trade with the Indians. Yes, Machado and Alonso are in-laws, but the photo increased speculation that Machado could become a Southsider soon.

Rumors abound that Machado will announce his decision in the next few days. Most speculate that Machado will join the Yankees, but the White Sox were one of the few stops on his whirlwind stadium tour.

Related Story. Alonso joins the White Sox. light

On New Year’s Eve, free agent rumors exploded when Jess Bryant – wife of Kris Bryant – shared photos of the Bryants and Harpers together. Cubs social media picked up the Instagram story and dreams of “Harpant” grew on the North Side.

Like Machado and Alonso, the Harpers and Bryants have a connection outside of the MLB. Both are from Las Vegas and live there in the off-season.

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The Cubs do need an upgrade in the outfield, but they have Jason Heyward and his massive contract blocking Harper’s way into Wrigley Field. The Cubs have been incredibly quiet this off-season which has kept the Harper-to-the-Cubs rumors at a minimum.

Something to notice is the hand sign that Harper is flashing in the bottom photograph. That “W” could be a sign denoting that the foursome is from the west side of US. But, could it also be a “W” for Washington Nationals? White Sox?

Harper has flashed hand signs in the past – specifically the “I love you” sign to his wife. But, this New Year’s Eve sign is different. It’s clearly a W.

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Now that it’s officially 2019, we – the impatiently waiting fans –  should get the answers we are craving. Where will they land? Who will be the lucky fan base that gets one or both of the hottest MLB free agents in recent memory?

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