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Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead to 2019
Bryce Harper is one of the best players in Major League Baseball. As we mentioned, MLB Trade Rumors dropped their Top 50 free agent predictions – and the numbers we’re talking about are record-breaking.
They’re calling for a 14-year, $420 million deal for the former Nats icon. That works out to a $30 million AAV, which is affordable for many of the big market teams. A handful of teams, namely big market clubs, have the space for the services of Harper.
It may be an unpopular opinion, but the Cubs are fine without Bryce Harper. In fact, they’re more than just fine without him. The team is still capable of being an offensive juggernaut who will inevitably rebound in 2019.
A healthy Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant will help the team immensely as they have in years past. With that said, whoever lands Harper, Cubs or not, will cement themselves as a contender. Chicago, however, will remain as contenders, Harper or not.