Spring training is right around the corner, and some of the top free agents in MLB remain unsigned, including the two most coveted prizes. Bryce Harper and Manny Machado have not decided where they will call home next season, but the Philadelphia Phillies have been tied to both superstars throughout this entire process. Their budget allows them to play with the idea of adding two of the best hitters in the game to their lineup as they hope to capture an NL East title in 2019.
It is unlikely they will land both Harper and Machado, but the Phillies remain confident that they'll be able to sign at least one. From The Athletic's Matt Gelb:
There is less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to camps across Florida and Arizona, and multiple sources have told The Athletic that the Phillies have gained confidence they will land one of the available superstars.
It might be Harper. It might be Manny Machado. It just might not happen until February.
The Phillies met with Harper for an extended period of time in his hometown of Las Vegas. Philadelphia has emerged as the clear front runner for Harper, although nothing is certain until the pen hits the paper.
In recent days, Chicago is looking like the destination for Machado. No, not Wrigley Field. The White Sox offered Machado an eight-year contract while adding other players to their roster who are close with him. It remains uncertain if they will be willing to go up to 10 years on a deal, as Machado is asking for.
The Phillies have done well in free agency so far. They added Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen, and David Robertson to fill needs at different positions on the field.
With time running low until spring training, it will be interesting to see how things play out. The Phillies are ready to contend in the NL East, and adding Harper or Machado basically guarantees they will.
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