The MLB non waiver trade deadline has just gotten a little more intriguing.
Monday, the Nationals have informed teams around the League that Bryce Harper – the face of their organization – is available for trade.
According to a source, the Nationals have let it be known that All-Star Bryce Harper is indeed available via trade, setting up what could be a wild race for the superstar with the non-waiver Trade Deadline less than 24 hours away.
The 25-year-old Harper is set to become a free-agent this offseason as the Nationals currently sit 5.5 games back of the Phillies in the NL East and 6.0 games back of the second wild card spot. Harper too has also had an up and down season in D.C. hitting 25 home runs good for second in the National League but has fallen off in terms of his OPS. Currently Harper sits at .842 which is well below his career average of .895.
Despite though what Harper could bring to a team for the stretch run and possibly during a postseason, the $7 million dollars he’s still owed for the rest of the season could pose a problem for even the biggest spending teams around the Leagues. If the Dodgers and Yankees make a move for the National outfielder they very well could surpass the $197 million competitive balance ceiling.
Then there’s the notion of what the Nationals could demand, even for what could only be a couple of months of Bryce Harper.
The Indians and Nationals were reportedly engaging in trade talks however those discussions didn’t transcend into much according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi. Cleveland is reportedly very reluctant to include young right-hander Shane Bieber in a deal for Harper and likewise would be unwilling to part with their No. 1 prospect Triston McKenzie for rentals.