Vegas sets Phillies as favorites to sign Manny Machado and Bryce Harper

Could the Phillies really land both of baseball’s big time superstars?

Many around baseball have pointed to the Phillies being the favorites to sign either Manny Machado or Bryce Harper in free agency. The organization is ready to spend to win and the front office has connections with each of the players, whether through previous interactions or through their agents.

That message has reached Las Vegas, who recently set the odds for where some of the biggest free agents will sign this winter, projected to be one of the busiest in recent memory.

According to Bovada, Philadelphia is officially the favorites to sign both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.

Philadelphia enters the offseason as EVEN favorites to sign Harper and 3/2 favorites to sign Machado.

In addition, Philadelphia is at +500 to sign closer Craig Kimbrel, tied for the third-best odds behind the Red Sox and Braves, both of whom Kimbrel has played for. The Cubs and Dodgers are tied with Philadelphia for third.

More from Phillies News

• Bryce Harper’s absence should lead to Phillies lineup tinkering
• Pirates’ bizarre Vince Velasquez hype video will make Phillies fans laugh
• Acquiring Brandon Marsh gave the Phillies flexibility
• Former Phillies starter Zach Eflin shares heartwarming goodbye message
• Is Rhys Hoskins the future at first base for the Phillies beyond 2023?

Given the state of this team and the collapse they endured in September, I’d imagine the hunger in owner John Middleton is stronger than ever. It’s been nine years since the Phils appeared in the World Series and they’ve gone seven years without a playoff appearance.

Signing either Harper or Machado would completely reshape this team. Placing Harper in right field takes a job away from Nick Williams and Roman Quinn in 2019 and potentially opens the door for the organization to trade top outfield prospects Adam Haseley and Mickey Moniak

Philadelphia could make room in the outfield by moving Rhys Hoskins back to first, but that would mean unloading Carlos Santana’s massive contract.

Adding Machado would mean either Maikel Franco or J.P. Crawford will be without a job. Each was once considered the Phillies top prospect, but neither has turned into the player many had hoped.

Both Machado and Harper will call for the largest contracts in baseball history, something the organization has traditionally not touched. These deals will at least eclipse $250 million and potentially hit $300 million.

The team feels that they are ready to win, and signing Harper and/or Machado will put them on the right path.