We're all looking forward to the free-agent class of 2018.
If Maikel Franco doesn't shape up, the Phillies could make a hard push for Manny Machado. Franco after a two-game benching is back in the lineup for this afternoon's game against the Rockies (see story).
Then of course there's Bryce Harper, who earlier this month agreed to a one-year, $21,625,000 deal for next season.
And guess what? If Harper becomes a free agent after next season, the Phillies would be interested in signing him.
Really?
According to a FanRagSportsNetwork, citing a Phillies source, the Phils would be interested luring Harper to Philly.
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Shocker.
It'd be big news if a Phillies source said the team wasn't interested in signing Harper.
Anyway, the story also quotes a National League scout.
"Could you imagine what he could do in that ballpark playing 81 games a year in that bandbox?" the scout said.
Chances are every Phillies fan has already imagined it. Harper this season alone is hitting .351/.400/.784 with five homers and 12 RBIs in nine games against the Phils. In three games at the Bank, he's hitting just .250 with a homer and two RBIs.
But in 38 career games at CBP, he's hitting .296/.361/.627 with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs.
In 89 career games against the Phillies overall, he's hitting .282 with 20 homers and 54 RBIs.
At the risk of stating the obvious, here's one thing to remember: If the Phils sign Harper, then he'd no longer benefit from facing them.
