The Nationals could be moving their treasure.
Washington currently sits third in the National League East and is behind five other teams for the final wild-card spot. That makes their odds of reaching the postseason very, very slim.
As such, the team is apparently shopping All-Star slugger Bryce Harper in advance of the trade deadline this afternoon. They seek to avoid losing him for nothing after the season when he is a free agent.
If he is dealt, Harper would likely be a rental player as he will be looking to break the bank during the offseason and only a few teams will be able to afford him. For the rest of this season, however, he’s only owed about $7 million, meaning nearly any team could be in play for him.
According to MLB.com, the Nationals likely would ask for multiple pitchers in any deal for Harper and have been in talks with Cleveland about a package involving either right-hander Shane Bieber or top prospect Triston McKenzie. As of now, those talks haven’t solidified.
The site also notes that dealing Harper away from Washington would not preclude the Nats from attempting to lure him back to the team after the season is over.
Elsewhere across the league, the Rays could move pitchers Chris Archer and Sergio Romo and the Rangers are shopping Adrian Beltre. Giants outfielder Andrew McCutchen and Twins second baseman Brian Dozier are also on the trading block, The Associated Press reported.
Nationals have reportedly continued talking to the Marlins about J.T. Realmuto. If they can land the All-Star catcher, that could change Washington's outlook Tuesday. If they can't, they could become active sellers – and they have a lot to sell. pic.twitter.com/B0F48L4IDr
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2018
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