The Dodgers
By Cameron Irwin
Though the Dodgers were out of the race for a month, outfielder Bryce Harper is headed to Los Angeles. The Dodgers are the perfect suitor to land the biggest free agent in this offseason’s slow progressing market.
This whole time, his reluctance to sign with the Dodgers is because of the money guaranteed in the deal.
Earlier this winter, the Dodgers shipped a package of outfielders, including Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp, to the Cincinnati Reds. The move opened up an outfield spot for a big free agent to come take its place, and it’s about time Harper’s residence became permanent.
That will no longer be speculation in a matter of days. Bryce Harper will don the blue and white, move out West and his numbers will improve from last year’s when he adjusts to the warm California climate.
Harper’s addition to this team makes them the National League World Series favorite. They have power throughout the entire lineup, a starting pitching rotation with a couple years of playoff experience and an improving bullpen.
With an outfield of Cody Bellinger, AJ Pollock and Bryce Harper all thrown into one lineup, the Dodgers are making themselves quite a threat out West.
If he were on the Phillies he would be constantly booed by the National faithful. Out
The Phillies
By Anthony Cullotta
Spring training is underway and some high-tier players are still without teams. None of them are more notable than Bryce Harper.
The career .279 hitter with 184 home runs is looking to top 300 million dollars in a 10 year deal.
When it’s all said and done, I think Harper will end up signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. They seem to be the last team that is truly interested in Harper with all the other teams dropping out of the running.
Many teams have been reluctant to offer that much money for one player. It has led to a bit of a stalemate as March is approaching, and Harper, among others, is still unsigned.
The Cubs said they don’t have the money, the Padres signed Manny Machado and the Dodgers and Nationals have ended conversations, moving forward with their current rosters.
The Phillies will continue talks with Harper in hopes of making a deal. The only other team that seems to still be making an effort is the San Francisco Giants. But will Harper want to play for the Giants if they have an aging core and lack of solid, young talent coming up from the minors?
Bryce Harper will sign with the Phillies because of the promise they have put on the table. If Harper chooses to ink his signiture in Philadelphia, there is potential to start a dynasty the MLB has not seen since the New York Yankees.
Well said, and right on the button, Mr. Cullotta!