Report: Several execs believe Phillies could sign both Harper, Machado

The Philadelphia Phillies could make a push for not just one but both of the top free agents on the market this offseason.

Multiple rival executives expressed that both Bryce Harper and Manny Machado could wind up wearing Phillies uniforms in 2019, according to Jon Heyman of Fancred.

Among the reasons Philadelphia could make the franchise-altering moves, Heyman lists the fact that the Phillies just signed a lucrative television deal, they boast a low payroll yet a willingness to spend, and they may feel pressure by how young and dominant the division-rival Atlanta Braves have looked this year.

Entering 2018, the Phillies had $95 million in salary obligations, according to Cot's Contracts. The base threshold of the luxury tax increases to $206 million next season, meaning Philadelphia could afford to double their payroll without incurring any penalty.

Adding intrigue, Phillies skipper Gabe Kapler told Scott Lauber of the Philly Inquirer that Harper "might be the best player in baseball" after Wednesday's loss against the Washington Nationals.

The pair of free agents are set to command nine-figure deals this winter.

Harper, 25, is in the midst of what has been considered a down year, yet still has a .891 OPS and 33 home runs over 144 games. The former first overall pick could end up breaking Giancarlo Stanton's record contract; a 13-year, $325-million deal signed with the Miami Marlins prior to the 2015 season.

Machado, 26, could also command a record-breaking deal, and will not be attached to draft-pick compensation as a result of being traded in the middle of the 2018 campaign. Able to play the premium defensive positions of shortstop and third base, Machado is having a career year at the dish, slashing .302.374/.545 with 34 home runs and 14 stolen bases while splitting time between the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers.