Cubs' longtime Bryce Harper dream gets new life after Phillies' stunning playoff exit

"Is this the end?"

After yet another early exit from the MLB playoffs, the Philadelphia Phillies are taking a long, hard look in the mirror, facing the potential for a major shake-up this offseason. An aging core has once again failed to deliver in October after barely hanging onto a playoff spot in the season's final days - and Dave Dombrowski could be forced to make some controversial decisions in the coming months.

Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper were supposed to be the three-headed monster that led the offense to a championship. Now, with the trio heading into its mid-30s with hundreds of millions of dollars left on their contract, the Phillies could be forced to entertain what was once thought impossible: shopping their superstars in hopes of re-tooling on the fly.

With Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki ticketed for free agency, subtracting substantial slug from the Chicago Cubs' lineup heading into 2027, it's worth at least wondering if Jed Hoyer might re-visit a Bryce Harper trade, while focusing his free-agent efforts on the pitching side of things.

Cubs' fit makes sense, but a Bryce Harper trade would be complicated

This is a long-shot idea, I know. But it's one Cubs fans have daydreamed about for the better part of a decade, dating back to when we kicked around the ideas of Harper teaming up with childhood friend Kris Bryant on the North Side, so we at least have to talk about it.

Harper has five years and approximately $125 million left on the 13-year, $330 million pact he inked with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season. It covers his ages 34-38 seasons, so there's risk there, but with corner outfield openings and the runway for playing time at first and DH, it really wouldn't be forcing the issue.

The Cubs have a ton of money coming off the books this winter and, while much of that will go toward arms, there's a path to figuring that out in a deal with Dombrowski. How that balance works out would depend on what type of return the Phillies would ask for (if they eat more money, they'd demand multiple high-value prospects and more, if they're unloading the whole deal, return could be slightly diminished) - but there's an elephant in the room.

Harper has full no-trade protection and is unfailingly committed to the Phillies franchise and the city of Philadelphia. Turner and Schwarber also have no-trade coverage, so the front office and owner John Middleton have put themselves in a corner here. It's a fun thought exercise thinking of a potential Cubs' trade for Bryce Harper, but I'd be shocked if this trio was anywhere but Philly come Opening Day 2027.

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