What Bryce Harper Could Have Added To The Dodgers

TheSportster

By TS Staff

Published Aug 22, 2018

Bryce Harper looked like he was bound for Los Angeles as the Dodgers claimed him. While that won't happen, here's what it could have looked like.

It was reported by MLB insider Jn Heyman on Tuesday that Bryce Harper was claimed by the Dodgers via waivers. But the claim expired which means Harper will stay a National for the remainder of the season.

The Nationals had 48 hours to work out a standard trade with the Dodgers or allow Harper to clear waivers and join the Dodgers with nothing in return. Obviously, the Nationals did not want to see Harper go, nor could they come to an agreement on a deal. Most-likely due to the fact that Los Angeles shipped away key prospects in the Manny Machado deal in July at the trade deadline.

Could you possibly imagine how that Dodgers' team would look with Harper in the lineup?

If you listen closely you can probably hear them etching the Dodgers' franchise into the 2018 World Series trophy.

This Dodgers team would become the Golden State Warriors of the MLB. Cashing in on both Machado and Harper before September would have almost guaranteed Los Angeles a trip to the Fall Classic — where they left some unfinished business against the Astros last season.

Take a look at last night's starting lineup for the Dodgers against the Cardinals:

Joc Pederson, LF

Justin Turner, 3B

Manny Machado, SS

Cody Bellinger, CF

Max Muncy, 1B

Yasmani Grandal, C

Chris Taylor, 2B

Yasiel Puig, RF

Hyun-Jin Ryu, P

Now substitute Harper for Pederson in left field:

Chris Taylor, 2B

Justin Turner, 3B

Manny Machado, SS

Bryce Harper, LF

Cody Bellinger, CF

Max Muncy, 1B

Yasmani Grandal, C

Yasiel Puig, RF

Hyun-Jin Ryu, P

The amount of power Harper brings to the middle of this order, surrounded by the bats of Machado and Bellinger is uncanny. Not only that, but you can't forget about All-Star Matt Kemp who would likely need to share time with Puig so Harper could be an everyday starter.

So you're probably wondering why the Nationals didn't want to deal Harper at the deadline — despite the fact they placed him on waivers. If the Nationals were to deal Harper, they would not be able to make him a qualifying offer when he hits free agency this winter.

If Harper declines their offer and signs elsewhere, the Nationals are entitled a draft pick in compensation for not resigning Harper. This is something they would have forfeited if they tried to deal Harper at the deadline or through waivers.

NEXT: BRYCE HARPER'S HOMERUN DERBY PERFORMANCE WAS LEGENDARY