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Washington Nationals: Handicapping the Bryce Harper sweepstakes

By Danny Kelly

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 01: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals walks back to the dugout after a line out to first during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 01: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals walks back to the dugout after a line out to first during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on June 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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Washington Nationals Davey Martinez
(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

St. Louis Cardinals

We like the Cardinals chances a little bit more than most here. On the surface, the Cardinals have the need for Bryce Harper’s bat in the lineup, but do they have the ability to sign him?

The Cardinals made a real strong push to acquire Giancarlo Stanton last offseason. Along with Stanton himself, they would have acquired the $295 million left on Stanton’s $325 million contract, so they are clearly willing to spend to bring a superstar to St. Louis. The Cardinals have been longing for a big bat in the middle of the lineup ever since Albert Pujols left.

The question here isn’t whether or not the Cardinals will be willing to put together a competitive offer, but it’s whether or not St. Louis is a fit for Harper. Although the Cardinals fan base is a passionate one, Harper has always seemed more suited for a “big” city, if for no other reason than his marketability.

Every other option on this list will give Harper a bigger stage to shine on and that’s something St. Louis won’t be able to control.

Odds of signing Harper: 10 to 1

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