MLB trade rumors: Orioles’ Manny Machado and Nationals’ Bryce Harper teaming up?

If the Washington Nationals want to make a splash at the MLB non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, 2018 (7/31/18), they could pair Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado and 2015 National League MVP Bryce Harper, both of whom will be free agents after the 2018 MLB season.

Now this would be a blockbuster.

As potential suitors, including the Phillies, for Orioles shortstop Manny Machado line up before the July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline, an out-of-nowhere contender could soon emerge.

One idea floated by Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe: Machado to the Nationals to pair with Bryce Harper.

The Braves, Indians, Phillies, Dodgers, and Brewers are mentioned a lot with Manny Machado. The Cardinals are another team that should be in the hunt for the Orioles shortstop as they need something to energize that team. But one team to watch is the Nationals. As they start to fade in the National League East, they too need a fix. What they would do with shortstop Trae Turner and/or third baseman Anthony Rendon is up to GM Mike Rizzo, but the Orioles probably would love to get Turner as part of a return package. The Nationals have the players that would entice the Orioles, including outfielder Victor Robles, 21, currently on the Triple A disabled list.

While this is unlikely, it’s a fascinating idea.

Machado and Harper bashing together down the stretch to help the Nationals rebound and catch the Phillies and Braves atop the NL East? Washington’s front office keeping those teams from landing Machado and pulling away? Two of the sport’s most talented players on the same field? Machado as potential Harper insurance for the Nationals moving forward?

Harper to Yankees?

It’s all in play if a deal like that went down.

Machado owns a .313/.382/.560 slash line and 21 home runs entering play on July 9. With the Orioles stumbling to a last-place season, Machado will almost certainly be dealt within the next three weeks.

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