Coming off a surprise NL East title this past season, the Atlanta Braves are set up nicely for the future. Flush with one of the best young rosters in MLB, they also seemingly have the payroll flexibility to be major players in free agency this winter.
In no way did we think that this would include Washington Nationals All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper. But here we are.
According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Atlanta is primed to be yet another player in the Harper sweepstakes.
Despite any posturing you might hear now, don't be surprised if #Braves are players in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes. I keep hearing things that make me believe they will be.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) November 19, 2018
This is interesting in that Atlanta already has a solid young outfield group, led by the dynamic Ronald Acuna. Teaming Harper up with Acuna would create a dynamic power-hitting duo on the outfield.
It’s not yet known whether Atlanta would get into a bidding way for Harper’s services. His contract is expected to top out at between $300 and $350 million. There are other large-market teams that could conceivably outbid the Braves for Harper’s services.
Atlanta’s inclusion into the sweepstakes comes with a number of other teams also interested in the former NL MVP.
This is certainly going to be one of the top storylines to watch as the winter plays out around Major League Baseball.