Free Agent Slugger Bryce Harper a ‘Dark Horse’ to Wind Up with the Indians? Wishful Thinking

The Indians outfield right now minus Michael Brantley doesn’t make many fans excited, but there’s always a chance through the long cold winter the team could make a deal to make that more of an area of strength than it is now.

The team has already stated that the payroll isn’t going to be any bigger in 2019, which means the thought of signing a big name outfielder is pretty much out the window unless there’s a huge change of heart in the organization and the Dolan’s.

It is nice to dream, and when it comes to adding an impact player in the outfield, one player who would make a huge impact is that of free agent outfielder Bryce Harper, who despite hitting just .249 this year for the Nationals, still managed to pound 34 homers and 100 runs batted in.

There were some rumblings last season during the countdown to the trade deadline that the Indians had interest in Harper, but obviously he stayed put with the Nationals.

Now Sports Illustrated has come out with an article speculating all 32 teams’ chances at signing Harper, and while it’s nothing more than a dream for the Indians, SI still has them as a Tier 3 ‘Dark Hose’ to ink Harper.

Here’s what the site says about the Indians, their outfield situation, and the chance to ink Harper.

Content to aim for 90 wins on the cheap in an awful division, Cleveland won’t be a serious Harper suitor, even though few if any teams could use him more. Michael Brantley is likely a goner in free agency, leaving an outfield of Leonys Martin, Greg Allen and Tyler Naquin (and Bradley Zimmer, once he gets healthy). That’s unacceptable for a World Series contender. Harper would also deepen a top-heavy lineup, reliant as it is upon Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, and the rapidly aging Edwin Encarnacion.

All the reasons that SI gives about Harper being a need for the Indians is right on, but the biggest thing of course is they don’t have the money to even make him an offer if the team is going to go backwards in the payroll this offseason, so while it’s a great thought to think he may wear an Indians uniform and stroll the outfield at Progressive Field, it’s really nothing more than wishful thinking.