MLB rumors: Rival GM thinks Nationals’ Bryce Harper will sign with Phillies

Bryce Harper to Phillies rumors won’t go away. With free agency just months away, the speculation continues about the Washington Nationals outfielder changing teams in the National League East.

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Even a contending Phillies season couldn’t stop the latest round of speculation around Bryce Harper’s impending free agency.

As one of baseball’s most promising young sluggers rebounds after a tough first half, all eyes will be where Harper lands when the winter arrives. The Phillies, long speculated as a possible fit for the lefty masher, are currently winning with pitching, excellent managing and by extracting value at the margins of a deep 40-man roster.

While time will tell how the Phillies choose to spend (Manny Machado?) this winter, Harper’s talent makes him a fit–even with second-year right fielder Nick Williams (110 OPS+) having a solid season.

Harper will have plenty of suitors, but at least one rival general manager believes the 25-year-old will land in Philadelphia before the start of the 2019 season.

“I think Harper winds up with the Phillies,” one rival GM said to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports.

Harper carries a .242/.382/.513 slash line into play on August 17. Since debuting in 2012, Harper is a career .279/.386/.515 hitter with 180 home runs. The current Nationals star is in the midst of a red-hot second half (1.129 OPS) after a difficult first half this season.

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If the Phillies landed Machado, Williams could be used in a trade to upgrade another area of the team or first baseman Carlos Santana could be dealt, opening the door for left fielder Rhys Hoskins to move back to the infield.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.