MLB rumors: Red flags on Nationals’ Bryce Harper | Yankees need to read this

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will be free agents after the 2018 season. Both could get contracts approaching $400 million, with the Yankees expected to make a push for Harper, the 2015 NL MVP.

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Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will be the biggest prize in free agency after the 2018 season.

Both he and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado could get contracts approaching $400 million.

The Yankees are expected to be one of many teams interested in signing Harper, the 2015 National League MVP.

But FanRag Sports’ Robert Murray texted with “a top National League executive” to answer this question: Is Harper overrated?

Text one: “He’s simply overrated. The good ain’t worth the bad. He’s a losing player. Cares about himself more than the team. If I was in charge and had money, my team would not pursue him. We would use that money to sign 2-3 winning players.”

Text two: “He’s a losing player. I would not sign him. I would use that money to sign 2-3 winning players.”

Text three: “If he gets more than 10-years, $300 million, I’d be surprised. I would not give him 10 years period and certainly not at that AAV. He’s just not worth it. He’s a selfish, losing player.”

Yanks should be concerned about Sanchez’s struggles

Harper and the Nationals open a two-game series with the Yankees Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.

Harper is having a down year in certain respects. He’s hitting just .228 with an .869 OPS.

But Harper still leads the National League with 19 home runs.

He and the Nationals are scheduled to face Yankees southpaw CC Sabathia on Tuesday and right-hander Sonny Gray on Wednesday.

Washington comes to the Bronx with a 36-27 record, putting them in a tie for first place in the NL East with the Atlanta Braves.

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