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Atlanta Braves 2019 Free Agency Preview: Outfield

By Kyle Walter

<> at SunTrust Park on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.
<> at SunTrust Park on September 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. /
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BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 29: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 29, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – MAY 29: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles in the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 29, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Long Shot

It’s Bryce Harper. Absolutely no surprise here. Now, do I think this will actually happen? Unfortunately, not really. A fan can always dream though.

I don’t always approve of his attitude, but all of my concerns about that are lessened by the immense talent he possesses. This at bat by Harper from early in the year demonstrates why he is the most desirable outfielder on the market this off-season. The clip comes from MLB on twitter.

That homer wasn’t off any random pitcher, either:  that was Jacob DeGrom.

Admittedly, Harper had a poor first half of the season. He only hit .214, which is less than ideal for a player of his caliber. However, the other numbers were there. He had 23 homers and a .365 OBP, both of which are great. In the second half of the year, he really picked up his production.

Post All Star break, Harper hit .300, hit 11 more homers, and an incredible .434 OBP. I’m hoping the poor first half diminishes his value slightly, but it’s not likely to happen.

With a shark of an agent like Scott Boras around, it’s likely that Harper’s price goes way above the Braves comfort zone. If the Braves could get him down to 200 million over 10 or so years I could see a deal happening. Anything higher and it’s likely ownership won’t be willing to cough up the money required to land him.

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