MLB rumors: Cubs? Phillies? Yankees? Latest odds on Bryce Harper’s free agency

Bryce Harper is set to hit free agency this winter. Here are the latest odds on where he’ll land.

All eyes are on baseball’s postseason in October.

That will change by the time November and December roll around.

As the sport gets ready for what should be a wild and record-breaking free-agent class, Bryce Harper stands above all (yes, even Manny Machado and the potential of a Clayton Kershaw opt-out) as the name that will generate the most buzz.

Rumors have been around for years on Harper’s eventual destination. Now oddsmakers are involved.

Here are the latest odds from Bovada on where Harper which team Harper will sign with.

Cubs: EVEN

Dodgers: +500

Phillies: +550

Yankees: +600

Nationals: +700

Red Sox: +1100

Angels: +1200

Giants: +1600

If we chalk up the Red Sox, Angels and Giants as speculation based on carrying high payrolls and generally playing in the deep end of the free-agent waters, the top five seem like they could comprise the Harper bidding war.

Washington, the only franchise Harper has ever played for, makes sense. But Harper’s end-of-year remarks and demeanor suggested a player knowing he’s destined to move on.

Top 10 free agents

As for the four favorites: Chicago could spend big on Kris Bryant’s lifelong friend after a disappointing postseason exit. The Dodgers could let Kershaw (and/or Machado) walk and put Harper in an already stacked lineup. The Yankees could create space (left field) to finish their uber team off. The Phillies could look to Harper as the key cog in a rebuild that needs an offensive star to build around.

Harper, 25, posted a .249/.393/.496 slash line with 34 home runs and 100 RBI in 2018. That includes a blistering second half (.300/.434/.538) after a slow start to the season.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.