Bryce Harper remains unsigned. Despite that, at least one sportsbook has favored to win his second National League MVP this season.
Per Jeff Sherman of Super Book USA, despite remaining unsigned, Harper is favored over a crowded field that includes stars like Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Kris Bryant, and Manny Machado.
MLB NL MVP Award winner
Bryce Harper 6/1
Nolan Arenado 7/1
Paul Goldschmidt 10/1
Kris Bryant 12/1
Manny Machado 15/1
Freddie Freeman 18/1
Eugenio Suarez 18/1
Christian Yelich 18/1
Anthony Rizzo 20/1
Rhys Hoskins 20/1
Javier Baez 25/1
Anthony Rendon 25/1
Ronald Acuna Jr 25/1— Jeff Sherman (@golfodds) February 27, 2019
First of all, we’re not totally sure that Harper should be favored over the likes of Arenado, Goldschmidt, and reigning MVP Christian Yelich.
But even if one disagrees, there’s another problem with Harper being favored. He’s not signed by any team. He could, at least theoretically, still sign with an American League team.
Granted, Harper is likely to stay in the NL. It’s been reported that Harper’s list of teams is down to the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants. All three are National League squads.
With that said, rumors around Harper have changed an awful lot through the offseason. Heck, they sometimes change dramatically within the course of a day.
It seems likely that Harper will remain in the National League. If he does, he certainly belongs on the list of favorites. But until he’s actually employed by an NL team, making a bet on him being the MVP seems awfully risky.