5 players that can cash in big before Harper

Giancarlo Stanton signed the most lucrative contract in baseball history when he inked a 13-year, $325-million extension with the Miami Marlins after the 2014 season, but he may not have the honor for long.

Bryce Harper captured his first MVP Award at the tender age of 23 last year, and - if he continues his ascent to greatness - will likely become the first $400-million player in baseball.

Related: Harper on possible $400M deal: 'Don't sell me short'

The Washington Nationals outfielder is set to hit the free-agent market at the conclusion of the 2018 season, but he's not the only talented big leaguer looking to cash in at record levels over the next handful of seasons.

Here are five players that could earn massive contracts before Harper:

Stephen Strasburg

Strasburg is entering a contract year, and is poised to be the top free agent in 2017. Injuries limited the flamethrower to just 127 innings in 2015, but at just 27 years of age, the righty should command a deal well north of $200 million - like David Price and Zack Greinke did this offseason - with a strong 2016 in Washington. The 2017 free-agent class is relatively weak as far as starting pitching is concerned, which means an intense bidding war should commence for Strasburg.

CAREER STATS - 6 SEASONS

Andrew McCutchen

Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting has already expressed his desire to extend McCutchen for the remainder of his career, and that's not going to be cheap. The 2013 National League MVP could become a free agent after the 2017 campaign, if the club declines its $14.75-million option. An extension seems more likely long before the five-time All-Star hits the open market, though. He could be paid $25 million to $30 million per season over a double-digit term providing he continues to perform at an elite level.

CAREER STATS - 7 SEASONS

Jake Arrieta

Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs avoided arbitration earlier this month by settling on a $10.7-million salary, but it's going to cost Theo Epstein and Co. much more to extend the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. Arrieta is controllable through the 2017 season, and like Strasburg, doesn't have much wear and tear on his arm considering he's entering his seventh big-league season. If the 29-year-old can help pitch the favored Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908, he might just strike it rich with a $200-million plus deal.

CAREER STATS - 6 SEASONS

Manny Machado

The young Baltimore Orioles third baseman is one of the game's brightest stars, and he's set to hit the open market at the same time as Harper following the 2018 campaign. Machado broke out with 35 homers and 86 RBIs while playing all 162 games last year to establish himself as a franchise player. Baltimore shelled out $161 million to retain slugger Chris Davis for seven years this offseason, and it's not unrealistic to think a five-tool player like Machado could potentially double that contract when entering his prime years.

CAREER STATS - 4 SEASONS

Jose Fernandez

Jose Fernandez is a scary talent and has the potential to be the best pitcher of his generation. He's slated to be part of a loaded 2019 free-agent group alongside Harper and Machado, but his health is an obvious concern. The righty will be watched closely as he enters his first full season following Tommy John surgery, and it'll be interesting to see if there's any truth to the persistent trade rumors swirling around him this winter. The 23-year-old is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, a fierce negotiator known for fetching top dollar for his clients.

CAREER STATS - 3 SEASONS