The fluidity of the Philadelphia Phillies churns, even more, today as the team eyes two of the brightest young stars Major League Baseball has ever seen. Sports Illustrated reports, the Phillies “dream scenario” is to sign Bryce Harper this offseason and Mike Trout after the 2020 season.
Harper, already said to have “hit it off” with manager Gabe Kapler per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, is Philadelphia’s main target this offseason despite being interested in a profusion of free agents. Philadelphia has their hand in the Manny Machado race, to which they have the second-best odds to land the All-Star shortstop, according to oddsmakers. A quote on quote “Super Team” featuring Harper, former Astros starter Dallas Keuchel and former Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel is also a current tantalizing concept for the Phillies.
Spread all over the free agent market, the allurement of Harper is Philadelphia’s toughest task. Luckily, by each passing day Harper’s chance of joining “Fightin’ Phil” increases. Once, and if, Philadelphia can acquire Harper, bringing in Trout is all but confirmed when he hits the open market in 2020.
Trout, now with the Angels, calls Philadelphia “home.” The former two time MVP and annual candidate grew up on the outskirts of New Jersey but has his heart rooted in the city of brotherly love. During the offseason, Trout travels to Philadelphia to watch his beloved Eagles play and has been seen multiple times in the front row coercing with players as he is a season ticket holder. Trout even has a strong relationship with Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz.
When asked by Jordan Hall of NBC Sports about the possibility of joining the Phillies in 2017, Trout talked up the Angels franchise, but when discussing his relationship with Wentz, left a telling remark on the table.
"Going to the games, seeing the guys and just cheering them on," Trout said. "I know how passionate the fans are in Philly and I want to be right here with them. You can ask any of the guys in the clubhouse," Trout said, "Sixers and Eagles, it's what I talk about all the time." Currently, the Phillies have their eyes on two former MVP’s, a CY Young award winner, the most dominant closer in baseball and a perennial All-Star. Philadelphia may be playing the long game with Trout, but the team holds the entire MLB offseason in the palm of their hands.
Executives and fans alike are waiting for Philadelphia to move. When it happens, over the next three years, Bryce Harper and Mike Trout could be on Philadelphia’s transactions list giving them the most dangerous outfields in baseball.
Signing both superstars would take up a large sum of the Phillies' payroll, but the opportunity to acquire two future potential Hall of Fame players at the beginning of their prime comes around once every few decades.
Trout and Harper's pairing would be a governing force among the elite MLB teams and rival the revitalized New York Yankees and their "Evil Empire." Combined, the two stars have a career batting average of .293, 425 home runs and 1,169 runs batted in. The duo's awards are even more astonishing. Between them, three MVP awards, seven Silver Sluggers, 13 All-Star games and both were named rookie of the year in 2012.
A lineup and outfield consisting of Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, once an ambitious fantasy, could soon become reality for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Catch up on all the latest MLB news below:
Phillies exploring a possible super team:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/phillies-exploring-possible-super-team
Phillies new favorites for Bryce Harper:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/phillies-new-favorites-for-harper
Giants, Brewers in talks of potential Madison Bumgarner trade:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/giants-brewers-in-talks-of-potential-madison-bumgarner-trade
White Sox aggressively pursuing Manny Machado:
https://www.bushleaguesports.net/blog/white-sox-aggressively-pursuing-manny-machado
*preview photo credited to ESPN
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