WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals reacts after hitting a single in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Bryce Harper, the No. 1 or No. 2 free agent on the market depending on how you view Manny Machado, remains unsigned.
ESPN made a new prediction for the Washington Nationals’ star outfielder today.
The pick: Dodgers.
ESPN believes Harper, a Las Vegas native, will end up signing with the West Coast franchise when it’s all said and done.
Best fits: Dodgers, Nationals, Phillies
Prediction: Dodgers. Los Angeles traded Matt Kemp and Yasiel Puig, seemingly to make room for Harper in the outfield. On the other hand, there was also a Los Angeles Times report earlier this offseason that a “sale book” provided to potential investors — the Dodgers have been looking to sell a minority stake in the franchise for several years — showed that the franchise plans to remain under the luxury tax through 2022. Hmm. According to Cot’s Contracts, the Dodgers are currently an estimated $24 million under. Of course, they could go slightly over without earning a big tax hit. Meanwhile, the Nationals have reportedly upped their offer. I’ll still go with the Dodgers, but it feels more like a 50-50 bet right now.
The Nationals and the Phillies are the two franchises getting the most hype for Harper right now, but the Dodgers should never be counted out.
Stay tuned.
