Philadelphia Phillies Should Have A Better Shot At Bryce Harper Than The New York Yankees
The Philadelphia Phillies have exceeded expectations this season. Even if they miss the postseason, fans can relish in the fact they’ve placed themselves as one of the teams to be a force in the coming years, Better yet, next season could easily be the year they make it to the World Series. The Phillies are a mixture of young and old talent. While adding pitcher Jake Arrieta was a play for respect, it has been the steady arm of Aaron Nola who has taken the leadership role and ran with it. But the true measure of the Phillies will be what happens this summer when Bryce Harper hits the market.
There are reports that the New York Yankees will come at Harper with a blank check. While this does not bode well for the other clubs, the Phillies could be the benefactor of the Yankees, well, being the Yankees.
[MarkAds]The talent that Brian Cashman has assembled in the Bronx has championship written all over it. At least form an offensive standpoint. Where the Yankees are weak, is on the mound. With power hitters such as Gary Sanchez, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Aaron Hicks, the Yankees have 12 players with double-digit home runs in 2018. The addition of Bryce Harper would be another piece, but is he really needed? Better yet, would Harper want to join an already loaded team while meshing his ego’s with others and the NY media?
Will It Be The New York Yankees or The Philadelphia Phillies For Bryce Harper?
If not, then the Philadelphia Phillies becomes a clear favorite to land the NL MVP. Despite fighting for a playoff spot, the Phils can offer Harper his CF position, a chance to be the main threat, and most importantly, the money he’s looking for. Yes, the Yankees are loaded but going after Harper will require some movement from players who have been loyal while contributing to their resurgence. If Harper were to come to New York, that means the Yankees will need to find an everyday spot for the veteran Brett Gardner. If Gardner were to move to the DH role, that means that Stanton will hit the outfield, thus moving Hicks to LF. Too many things the Yankees must change.
In Philly, CF is currently occupied by Odubell Herrera, however, the Phils could make a trade with Herrera involved as most teams will bite due to him being in arbitration. If money is the issue, then the Phillies are in the perfect spot to land Harper. Their core is in their mid-twenties with only Carlos Santana as the only offensive weapon making more than $10 million per.
What this will boil down to is Harper. He has to decide what he wants to do and for how long. The New York Yankees have the funds, the legacy, the large market, and the weapons he lacks in Washington. However, the Philadelphia Phillies have the same money, with more to add other stars, history, and the opportunity not to have all these large contracts blow up in their face like the Yankees. Where will he land? If I was a betting man, my money would be on the Phillies.
[BXReporter]
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
