There has been a lot of talk about Bryce Harper potentially being moved in a blockbuster trade ahead of Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline, but the man who would have to sign off on such a deal says there is no chance of it happening.
Hours prior to the deadline, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo put all the Harper trade talk to rest.
Mike Rizzo just reached out with this message:
"Bryce is not going anywhere. I believe in this team."
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) July 31, 2018
Rizzo said recently that he believes Washington still has a chance to contend for a postseason spot, and it would appear he is not backing off of that. While it’s entirely possible that the Nationals gauged the market for Harper as many have reported, that does not mean they were ever close to trading the star outfielder.
The Nationals are currently 52-53 and 5.5 games back in the NL East, but they’re loaded with talent. If they can somehow overcome the serious clubhouse issues they are said to be having, there’s still a chance they can make the playoffs.
