Chicago Cubs: Bryce Harper has been linked to the Cubs, salivation ensues

Superstar Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals has been linked to the Chicago Cubs as a possible landing spot for the impending free agent. Is this a real possibility?

Peter Gammons went on Mully and Hanley on 670 The Score recently to discuss what the Chicago Cubs Kris Bryant and Washington Nationals Bryce Harper could make in free agency. After weighing in Gammons shocked the baseball community when he said this:

"“I have people tell me that Bryce Harper, really, would prefer to play for the Cubs.”"

Holy cow. While it’s natural to think that the Cubs, who certainly have the resources to make a run at any player, could afford to bring in Harper, the fact that he reportedly wants to be on the Cubs more than any other team has fans salivating.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs
• Legendary Pat Foley will finally call a Cubs game at Wrigley Field

Imagine a lineup with Harper, Bryant and Anthony Rizzo in the middle of it?What about the home runs? Or the commercials?

Before we start fantasizing it’s important to take quotes like these with a grain of salt. First of all, it’s not like Harper will take a significant pay cut (or even one at all) to join the Cubs. Harper’s agent is Scott Boras after all, who’s notorious for getting his clients the most money possible.

How much is too much?

Additionally, it’s been widely theorized that Harper will command at least $400 million for his services. That’s a lot of money for one player – $75 million more than the biggest ever – and with the Cubs’ young studs heading towards their arbitration years, it’ll be tough to nab Harper and keep the current core intact.

However, adding another MVP to the lineup is most certainly worth making those sacrifices. Players like Harper who are that good rarely hit free agency at that age (he’ll be 26 ). Most player’s prime production years are from 26 to 30. So imagine what a peak Harper (if he gets even better) would look like on the Cubs.

Boras is no fool. For all we know he could’ve planted this rumor for the Cubs to make a run at acquiring his prized client (assuming the team wasn’t considering adding him in the first place). After all, Harper on the Cubs means more money in his pocket.

Next: Schwarber lifts Cubs to comeback win

Until Harper himself says something regarding the rumor it’ll remain just that: a rumor. But Harper does have a history with Bryant, as the two are both from Las Vegas and played amateur ball together.

The 2018 free agent class has been heralded as the best in baseball history by some. And the Cubs have the money to make a splash. Could they make arguably their biggest one in franchise history? We’ll just have to wait and see.