Fantasy Baseball 2019: Best Teams for Bryce Harper

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 15: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals is congratulated after hitting a first inning solo home run against the New York Mets at Citi Field on June 15, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

What team would give Bryce Harper the biggest boost to his fantasy baseball value in 2019 and beyond?

The 2019 free agent class has revolved around two players. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Two of the best players in the league and either one can change the outlook of a franchise. I already highlighted some of the best fits for Machado (here). Now, I look at what teams would best help Harper’s fantasy baseball value.

Harper has had one spectacular season in his seven-year career. Back in 2015, Harper crushed a career-high 42 home runs with 99 RBIs, 131 strikeouts, 124 walks and a .330/.460/.649 line over 153 games. Not surprising, he won the National League MVP.

This season, Harper played in a career-high 159 games. He hit 34 home runs, 100 RBIs, 169 strikeouts and 130 walks. The negative to his game was his low batting average, .249. In a time when batters are selling out contact for more power, fantasy baseball players are going to have a hard time finding enough high-contact hitters.

Despite the dip in batting average, there are a few teams interested in adding Harper’s services to their team with good reason. Of the teams interested in him, which ones will benefit his fantasy projections for 2019?

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are pursuing Machado as well but why not add two superstar hitters to the lineup? Harper would likely take over for Nick Williams in right field with Andrew McCutchen in left and Odubel Herrera in center.

Like with Machado, Harper will make his teammates better as well. Opposing pitchers will be forced to pitch to at least one of the guys in the heart of the order, giving Rhys Hoskins and McCutchen good pitches to hit.

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The NL East doesn’t feature the best starting pitching, outside of the trio in Washington and the two aces in New York. Harper is very familiar with the division and ballparks, so there won’t be much adjustment time.

Having his bat in the No. 3 spot would lead to great success for Harper in 2019 and beyond.

Los Angeles Dodgers

There haven’t been many talks, at least any that have been reported, between the Dodgers and Harper. The Dodgers made a big trade in the offseason, sending outfielder Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp to Cincinnati. This obviously opens a spot for Harper.

The Dodgers currently have a trio of outfielders including Joc Pederson, Cody Bellinger and Enrique Hernandez. I think Harper would be a bit of an upgrade over Hernandez. His addition would help Justin Turner, Corey Seager, Bellinger and Max Muncy.

Joining the NL West favorites would push them even further into first place. The Diamondbacks lost two of their best players. The Giants and Padres are rebuilding and don’t have enough pieces to compete. The Rockies need help with pitching.

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox are another team interested in both Machado and Harper. The White Sox have stacked the deck in courting Machado by trading for his brother-in-law, Yonder Alonso, and good friend, Jon Jay.

As far as Harper goes, the White Sox front office has a lot of money to spend. Their current payroll sits at just $53 million. In a division that is wide open, adding either Harper or Machado could make them division contenders. The AL Central doesn’t have a dangerous group of starting pitchers. The majority of ballparks favor the hitters, too.

The White Sox outfielders are Nicky Delmonico, Adam Engel and Leury Garcia. Again, Harper would be a good upgrade over Garcia. This marriage is likely not going to happen. David Schoenfield of ESPN said there’s a riff between White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Harper’s agent, Scott Boras.

Honorable Mention: Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals

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Harper’s situation is more unclear than Machado’s. More teams need an All-Star middle infielder than a right fielder. We’ve heard a couple of offers for Machado. We haven’t heard a word about what teams are offering Harper. Once Machado signs, the Harper picture should become a bit clearer.

He has the power but his batting average will need to improve for him to move up into the first round.

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