Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper doesn't hit the free agency market until after the 2018 season, yet it's already one of the hottest topics around the MLB. Many believe he is seeking deal for ten years worth over $400 million, and Washington is reportedly preparing to move on instead of meeting that asking price. In fact, his agent, Scott Boras, has said he hasn't even discussed a long-term deal with the Nationals.
That has led to plenty of speculation that Harper may leave the Nationals, making him maybe the most sought-after free agent ever. Here are the five teams he is the most likely to sign with if he does become a free agent in 2018:
5) Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies certainly seem like a long shot, but they might be in the best place financially to offer Harper the contract he's seeking. They currently do not have any money committed to anyone in the first season of Harper's future contract, meaning the could meet his price and still sign a few other free agents as well. It remains to be seen how interested Harper would be in playing for the club, but they still make a run at him.
4) Boston Red Sox
Now, we get into the big market teams. Boston could certainly find a way to come up with the money to sign Harper - the only question is if they'd be willing to sign him to a massive deal over the younger players on their roster.
3) Los Angeles Dodgers
Speaking of teams that have shown a willingness to spend, no one has shown that more than the Dodgers' management group. They likely won't hesitate to offer Harper a massive deal, but young stars like Corey Seager and Joc Pederson could demand future contracts that will limit LA's ability to get into a bidding war.
2) New York Yankees
This is exactly the scenario in which Brian Cashman and the Yankees have been planning for and hoping for. Harper is the mega-star that seems suited for New York, and you know there is no limit to how deep the Yankees can go into their pockets. If he becomes a free agent, New York has the desire to sign him and will outbid everyone else.
1) Washington Nationals
So why aren't the Yankees No. 1 on the list? Well, the Nationals still have two years to negotiate that long-term deal, giving them time to figure out how to make the payroll work (and wrap their head around that contract number). It's not everyday that a team is able to get a superstar like Harper, and even if they're hesitant to give him over $400 million, they will face an incredible amount of pressure from fans - and potentially from Harper himself - to keep him. I think the Nationals will come to the realization that they simply can't let him go. It will not be a surprise if he leaves, but it definitely won't be a surprise if he stays.