MLB rumors: Manny Machado? Bryce Harper? Phillies linked to 4 top impending free agents

If the Phillies go big-game hunting this offseason, stars like Manny Machado and Bryce Harper will be available.

As the Phillies‘ chances at October crumble, it’ll soon be time to turn attention to a critical offseason for the franchise.

With less than $69M on the books for next season, the Phillies could go big-game hunting in what’s shaping up to be a loaded free-agent class. How active will the Phillies be? Jim Bowden, a former MLB general manager and current insider for The Athletic, connected the dots to four of his top 20 soon-to-be free agents: Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, Andrew Miller and Andrew McCutchen.

Here’s what Bowden had to say about each player.

Machado: He and Bryce Harper will be this winter’s most sought-after free agents, and both are expected to break contract records because they are entering free agency at such a young age. Machado has had a dream free-agent season so far, another year of hitting .300 with 30-plus home runs. His ability to play both shortstop and third base increases his value and demand. The way he handled himself at the trade deadline, weathering a media firestorm as the Orioles were trying to trade him during the All-Star Game, was exceptional, showing class and integrity. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, but an average or below-average defensive shortstop at this point. Because of that, I won’t be surprised if he signs with a team that insists he plays third instead of short, even though he clearly prefers the latter.

Harper: Strong second half, including a staggering .429 on-base percentage, has him right back on track to potentially receive the largest free agent contract in baseball history. Harper has once again delivered more than 30 homers, and his star power certainly will be a huge marketing draw for whichever big-market team signs him this offseason. The six-time All-Star and former NL MVP will get paid not only for his accomplishments to date, but because of his high ceiling and the fact that he’s just entering his prime years now — he will still be only 26 for all of next season.

Miller: Battled both knee and shoulder issues this year, and will have to have a strong finish to September and a dominant October for him to get the type of contract he deserves. He’s still an elite player, and one of the best left-handed relief pitchers in the league when healthy.

McCutchen: He’d benefit from signing with a team that has a good hitters’ park, a developing team that needs veteran leadership, or a contending team where he can hit in the bottom third of the lineup.

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If the Phillies can land one of the two superstar bats and Miller, it’s an offseason that can take the team from promising to special quickly. If Machado arrives to add a big bat to the infield, perhaps McCutchen and an arm like Miller could come as secondary pieces, allowing the front office to package young players on the team for one more difference-making arm.

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