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Bryce Harper trade rumors: 5 teams that must call

By Joshua Sadlock

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 02: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on July 2, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 02: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals celebrates after hitting a home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Nationals Park on July 2, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 20: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros gets high-fives front teammates after scoring in the first inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 20, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Astros defeated the Angels 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 20: George Springer #4 of the Houston Astros gets high-fives front teammates after scoring in the first inning during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on July 20, 2018 in Anaheim, California. The Astros defeated the Angels 3-1. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /

3. Houston Astros

The Houston Astros know very well just how much an impact trade in July or August can affect a team’s World Series hopes. After all, they rode Justin Verlander’s epic postseason run to a title last year. Houston’s title defense is on track, as they sit 30 games over .500 with a comfortable lead in the AL West. They were in a similar position last summer when they cashed in top prospects for Verlander.

Another big move could be coming, as the Astros maintain one of the best farm systems in the league.

On their way to the World Series last year, the Astros ran roughshod over the American League with an offense for the ages. While they still rank second in the AL in runs scored, there is a need for an offensive boost. Houston’s outfielders are hitting just .246/.323/.414 on the year with 43 home runs and 148 RBI. Their outfielders finished last season with a collective .276/.345/.465 line. That is a steep drop in production, especially from two-time All-Star George Springer and Marwin Gonzalez.

Bryce Harper obviously makes the Astros a better team — possibly even an unstoppable one when considering their elite rotation that now features Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. This team definitely needs an upgrade at closer, but there is still enough depth in the minor leagues to make a run at Harper if the Nationals get serious about hitting the reset button.

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