Fansided

5 teams that can make realistic deals for Bryce Harper

By Rucker Haringey

MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 25: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals hits a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during a game at Miller Park on July 25, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 25: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals hits a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during a game at Miller Park on July 25, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON – JULY 29: Boston Red Sox player Jackie Bradley Jr. is pictured on the bench during the seventh inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Minnesota Twins in a regular season MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on July 29, 2018. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
BOSTON – JULY 29: Boston Red Sox player Jackie Bradley Jr. is pictured on the bench during the seventh inning. The Boston Red Sox host the Minnesota Twins in a regular season MLB baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston on July 29, 2018. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

3. Boston Red Sox

At first glance, the Red Sox seem to be in a comfortable position in the AL East. They currently possess an impressive six game lead over their arch rivals, the New York Yankees.

However, when you look at Boston’s lineup it’s easy to see one major hole. Jackie Bradley, Jr. is a terrific defensive player but he’s a AAA quality bat. The Red Sox would be smart to acquire an upgrade before October arrives.

For reference, Bradley Jr. is currently slashing .213/.300/.360. Those aren’t atrocious numbers but they do make him the team’s weakest regular hitter by a pretty fair margin. His numbers also get an uptick since he can hit doubles off the Green Monster at home. Harper would obviously serve as a significant upgrade.

Boston will also be interested in keeping communication with the Nationals open because they don’t want to see Harper head to the Yankees. He is the sort of special talent who could help New York close the significant gap in the division. Don’t rule out the Red Sox making a move for Harper just to make sure he doesn’t end up in the Bronx. Acquiring Harper would definitely be a luxury acquisition for the Red Sox, but it would also boost their chances of winning a World Series.

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