Phillies: Bryce Harper domino effect could last decades

The Phillies might have a new face of the franchise very soon if they sign Bryce Harper.

It’s almost inevitable that Bryce Harper signs with the Phillies after the team visited him in Las Vegas. Bob Nightengale reported that the Nationals chances of signing Harper are fading and that the Phillies are “clear-cut favorites” to sign the outfielder.

While nothing is set in stone yet and adding Manny Machado is still on the table, the Phillies appear to be close to adding a new outfielder.

Anytime you add a player, there’s going to be a trickle-down effect across the roster. When you add a player of Harper’s caliber, that trickle-down is going to be a gushing river of changes to the 25 and 40 man roster not just for the 2019 season but for years, potentially decades to come.

Adding Harper would alter the course of Phillies history forever.

Not only does adding Harper change the look of the outfield right now, but it means certain prospects and major league players are now expendable and the team could be strapped for cash down the road when other players become available.

Look at the Chicago Cubs being stuck with Jason Heyward this offseason and unable to make any significant moves. Adding Harper could mean no Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, or Craig Kimbrel this year or beyond.

Here are five things that could happen should the Phillies sign Harper this offseason.