MLB rumors: A list of front-runners for Nationals’ Bryce Harper | Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers in the mix?

Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado will headline free agency following the 2018 MLB season. Harper is not expected to return to Washington, and could receive contract offers in excess of $300 million from a list of teams, including the Yankees.

Much has been written about free agency following the 2018 MLB season. Specifically, the two crown jewels of the free agent class: Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.

The Orioles, at 15-32 and in last place in the AL East, could deal Machado before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. But the Nationals are 25-21, and just three games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the NL East, meaning Washington won’t have a chance to sell off its most valuable commodity.

Plenty of teams have been rumored to be in the mix for Harper, once he hits free agency.

In a video released Tuesday, former Cincinnati Reds GM Jim Bowden, now an analyst for The Athletic, Sirius XM and CBS Sports, listed his leading contenders for Harper: the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Braves.

Here is what he had to say about the Yankees making a run at Harper:

“The New York Yankees was his team growing up … and people laugh and say, ‘he’s not going to go to the Yankees.’ You know, it is definitely possible he goes to the Yankees. He could replace Brett Gardner in left field. Don’t worry about, ‘oh how can you do that with (Giancarlo) Stanton and (Aaron) Judge.’ Put him right in the lineup right in the middle of Stanton and Judge. Give them that other left-handed hitter. Of course that would be a good fit for him.”

Cole Hamels talks trade rumors

As for the possibility of Harper returning to the Nationals, Bowden said not to hold your breath:

“The one thing about Bryce Harper. His agent, Scott Boras, has a long history of taking the most money and the most years. I’m not sure out of this group of teams, where it comes from. I just don’t think it’s going to be Washington.”

Harper has 14 home runs this season, which leads the National League.

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