MLB rumors: Nationals’ Bryce Harper, Dodgers’ Manny Machado markets take shape | Who Yankees will compete with in free agency

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado will headline the free agency class following the 2018 MLB season. Both players could receive contracts approaching $400 million, with deep-pocketed teams like the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies expected to bid for both sluggers.

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado will headline free agency following the 2018 MLB season.

Several deep-pocketed teams, including the Yankees and Phillies, are expected to make runs at one, and perhaps both, of the All-Star players.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden takes a look at who could be the Yankees’ competition in free agency while examining the top 20 players who will hit the market after the season:

1. Manny Machado, SS/3B, Dodgers

Age: 26, WAR: 4.7, OPS+: 148

Machado 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.

Early best fits: Phillies, Cardinals, Angels, Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, Braves.

2. Bryce Harper, RF, Nationals

Age: 25, WAR: 1.6, OPS+: 134

Harper’s 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.

Early best fits: Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Phillies, Giants, Angels, Nationals.

9 Yankees on the hot seat

Bowden also has the Yankees targeting starting pitching during the offseason, and anticipates general manager Brian Cashman possibly making a run at Astros right-hander Charlie Morton, Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel and/or Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin.

Bowden also thinks the Yankees will give serious consideration to re-signing left-hander J.A. Happ, but doesn’t anticipate Cashman trying to re-sign outfielder Andrew McCutchen.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.