Phillies

Bryce Harper is Available

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jul 31st, 2018 · 9:04 AM EDT

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The Phillies could use some offensive firepower:

According to a source, the Nationals are making it known to other teams that Bryce Harper is indeed available.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2018

Yes? No? I’m not sure how much time suitors have to put together a blockbuster trade package, considering the fact that the deadline is 4 p.m. today. For what it’s worth, Buster Olney said on ESPN this morning that he felt like Harper WOULD be moved, but others don’t think that’s the case. Jon Heyman is one of them:

rivals continue to believe bryce harper is long shot to be traded. nats are only 5.5 games out & they'd risk fan revolt. also, they wouldn't get haul as rental. o's did well getting yusniel plus 4 for machado. but market is better for a ss/3B & manny was hitting 100 points higher

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2018

Maybe the Nats need some coaxing.

“Listen, you guys had a nice run, but it’s over. Time to tear it down and rebuild. We will aid that effort by sending you two prospects for Bryce Harper, who will then sign a long-term deal to play at Citizens Bank Park.”

Sincerely,

Matt Klentak

Harper isn’t having an amazing season, hitting just .220 with an .842 OPS, which is low by his standards. But he looks like a guy who could use a change of scenery, bogged down by whatever malaise has settled over Nationals Park and caused that team to bumble their way to a 52-53 record this season. We’ve often griped that even though this Phillies team is solid, there’s no marketable star, and Harper would certainly address that.

I’ll admit, I did laugh at this when scrolling Twitter:

Nats: Bryce Harper is available

Mets: Jose Bautista is untouchable

— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) July 31, 2018

What do you think? Make a late push for Harper or stand pat and make a run at the playoffs with this current squad?