The MLB 2019 free agency class has been talked about for a long time as it is expected to be filled with stars Manny Machado, Bryce Harper, possibly Clayton Kershaw, and other All-Stars.
The Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Machado before the non-waiver trade deadline this season, although it is unknown if they will attempt to re-sign him. Corey Seager is due back from injury and expects to man shortstop.
With the Dodgers remaining below the $197 million luxury tax threshold, they will have the means to aggressively spend in the offseason.
Aside from Machado, they have also been connected to Harper. The Dodgers reportedly claimed him off waivers from the Washington Nationals in August.
One other team who will have money to spend is the Philadelphia Phillies, and they surely would like to land either Machado or Harper to add to their impressive young core. According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, executives throughout the league believe that they may actually try to sign both stars:
Multiple rival executives suggested they believe it’s quite possible the Phillies land not one – but both – superstar free agents this winter. Of the more than 10 executives contacted this week, though the question was about who’d get the bigger deal between outfielder Bryce Harper and infielder Manny Machado, a few volunteered that they believed Philly could sign both players.
Machado and Harper are both expected to sign contract upwards of $300 million, so that would be extremely impressive if the Phillies dished out two contracts of that magnitude in the same offseason.
Machado has said on numerous occasions that whatever team he signs with long-term he would like to remain at shortstop. However, it was recently reported that he would be willing to move back to third base for the right team, which could benefit the Dodgers if they still view Seager as their shortstop but want to retain Machado.
That would, of course, still take some maneuvering in their infield with Justin Turner currently serving as their everyday third baseman.
