One of the best players in baseball is now available for trade.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported on Monday evening that the Washington Nationals have made it known to other teams that Bryce Harper is available in trades.
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
This is nothing short of a huge development.
Harper, 25, is making $21.65 million this year — his final season under team control. He will become a free agent after the year, and the Nationals’ apparent willingness to consider trading him may indicate they do not plan on re-signing him longterm.
Harper is having a down season by his standards. He’s batting just .220, but his OPS is .842 thanks to nearly 90 walks and plenty of power. He has the potential to be a game-changer for a playoff team, but the Nats probably would only trade him if they were guaranteed to receive a huge return. One AL team reportedly has talked with the Nats about trading for Harper.
