Even if they do, will Harper switch uniforms?
The Washington Nationals aren’t in a good place. They currently stand third in the National League East, 6 games back, with a mediocre 52-53 record. Things don’t appear to be turning around, either. Since May 31, the Nats have dropped 31 of 52 games.
Injuries are one reason. Stephen Strasburg is the latest to fall victim to the injury bug. Poor performance is another. Ryan Zimmerman is hitting .226 with 5 home runs–just one year after hitting .303 with 26 home runs.
The Nats’ farm system doesn’t offer much hope. Sure, Juan Soto (called up in May) hasn’t disappointed. He has a good shot at winning Rookie of the Year. But after Soto (the so-called “Childish Bambino”), Victor Robles, and Carter Kieboom (both of whom may be stars in the making), the talent pool drops off. In truth, Washington’s farm system may not be terrible but–in a division that’s getting younger and younger–the Nats could use a few top-tier prospects.
To top off their problems, there’s the impending free agency of franchise-player Bryce Harper. Many believe that Harper will test free agency–even though he’s hitting a career-worst .220.
The problem for the Nats is that Harper isn’t alone when it comes to their impending free agent pool. There’s also Daniel Murphy, Gio Gonzalez, Matt Wieters, Ryan Madson, Kelvin Herrera, Shawn Kelley, and Matt Adams. Whew!
Courtesy: wbsportsco.com
Given all that’s going on in DC, should the Nats try to move Bryce Harper?
Why not? Even if Harper turns things around his season, I still think the Nats trail the Cubs, Brewers, and Dodgers in pure talent. Yes, Washington will set a high asking price for Harper, but contenders (like the Indians) might be desperate enough to take the bait.
On the other hand….
While the Nats don’t need a full rebuild (like division mates Miami and perhaps the Mets), I’m not sure they have enough young talent to compete in the NL East if Harper leaves (now or in the offseason) and Murphy and key bullpen pieces don’t re-sign. Even with Robles and Soto (two potential stars), I don’t see the Nats keeping up with Phillies and Braves.
At the end of the day, though, I don’t see Harper leaving. For one thing, trading Harper means the Nats will have given up on re-signing him in the offseason. Besides, the situation in Washington is anything but dire. The team is healthy with the big exception of Stephen Strasburg. And nobody is running away with the National League East–at least not yet.
Do the Nats have a run in them? The answer may depend on Bryce.
