MLB free agency rumors: Bryce Harper more likely than Manny Machado for Phillies?

When MLB free agency opens, the Phillies could focus on Bryce Harper over Manny Machado.

This is the rare instance where there’s truly no wrong answer: Bryce Harper or Manny Machado?

For the Phillies, either (or both) would bring a true superstar to a franchise in need of more offense and an influx of top-tier talent. Add in their respective youth (25 each) and rare free agents are available that can change a franchise for the long term.

While there’s been some chatter about the Phillies possibly acquiring both stars this winter, that’s always felt unrealistic. So, which star is more likely to land in Philadelphia? The natural guess of Machado (due to his ties to so many in the Phillies front office) may not be correct.

Here’s the latest from Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.

Phillies people suggest they don’t think signing both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper is likely, but no one should rule it out. They are expected to be the most aggressive team in bidding this winter. And while they have a strong connection to Machado, don’t be surprised if it’s Harper instead. Harper is a chance to stick it to the rival Nats, and his big finish made folks notice.

Machado posted a .297/.367/.538 slash line with 37 home runs for the Orioles and Dodgers, and helped Los Angeles reach the postseason. Since debuting in 2012, Machado owns an .822 OPS and 121 OPS+.

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Harper put up a .249/.393/.496 slash line with 34 home runs for the Nationals. Since debuting in 2012, Harper owns .900 OPS and 139 OPS+.

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