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Phillies could sign both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in free agency

By George Stockburger

BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 10: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and Manny Machado #13 of the Baltimore Orioles talk during their game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 10, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Can the Phillies sign two of the best free agents in recent memory this offseason?

Phillies fans have been tied to the hips of Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, arguably two of the best young stars in baseball. With both due to become free agents this offseason, excitement is building up around the fanbase with the hopes of signing a marque free agent.

However, the Phillies might not be in play for just one of the two superstars, but instead both.

Jon Heyman of Fancred and MLB Network says he polled more than 10 executives and asked which player would get a better deal this offseason, Harper or Machado. Heyman says multiple executives believe the Phillies “could sign both players.”

Connections between Philadelphia and both Harper and Machado have been high, especially with Machado given the organization’s connection to him dating back to Baltimore. Phillies executives Andy MacPhail, Matt Klentak, Ned Rice, and Scott Proefrock drafted the infielder in Baltimore, and the team was heavily involved in trade talks with Baltimore back in July.

ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 13: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to first base against the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on September 13, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – SEPTEMBER 13: Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws to first base against the St. Louis Cardinals in the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on September 13, 2018 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

Machado is hitting .302 with 34 home runs this season, showing power and consistency void in the Phillies lineup.

Harper doesn’t have as strong of a personal connection to the organization, but he’s been linked to Philadelphia as he free agency approaches. Owner John Middleton cozied up to Harper’s agent Scott Boras after the team signed pitcher Jake Arrieta in spring training.

Harper is having a down year compared to his MVP standard, hitting .247 with 33 home runs and leading the league with 113 walks.

Both Harper and Machado will be 26 by the time free agency arrives this winter, putting them squarely in their prime. Each is expected to make at least $200 million and make upwards of $300 million this offseason, but the team is ready to open their wallets to win.

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After signing a 25-year television deal with Comcast SportsNet in 2014 reportedly worth $2.5 billion the franchise has a large amount of revenue they largely haven’t touched with free agents.

Middleton opened up his checkbook for Arrieta, Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter, and Carlos Santana this offseason, and while none of them are making superstar money, signing each of them showed a commitment towards winning.

According to Spotrac the Phillies currently have about $69 million devoted to the major league payroll. That will change as player arbitrations are set and if the team tries to retain Wilson Ramos, something they should heavily consider.

Paying Machado and Harper $30 million each next year is obviously a lot, but Middleton will happily pay it to win now. Expect some great hot stove rumors this offseason for the Phillies.

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