Should the Astros try signing Manny Machado or Bryce Harper?

Superstars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are still on the free agent market with spring training less than a month away. Manny Machado is a four time all star who played with the Baltimore Orioles from 2012 to 2018 until he got traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline in the 2018 season. Bryce Harper is a 6 time All Star and a former MVP who played for the Washington Nationals for all his career. Both players are being pursued by many teams as these two players offer great talent and can greatly propel any team into playoff contention and even World Series contention.

Then that begs should the Astros sign Manny Machado or Bryce Harper to improve their chances of winning their second World Series in three years.

Manny Machado

Manny Machado would be a great addition for any team but the Houston Astros for two main reasons. Firstly, there is a position clash. The Astros already have star Carlos Correa as shortstop. Although he has been injured lately, Correa is a star defensive player and can hit the ball well. The addition of Manny Machado would be futile because Carlos Correa is already manning and dominating the position for the Astros.

Also, Manny Machado also wants a long-term contract with a high price. Although, the Astros cap space would allow for the signing Machado could better allot their money in the future. Instead of signing Machado to a massive contract and putting themselves in a tight situation in following years, it would be best if the Astros stay put and use Correa as their best option.

Bryce Harper

Unlike the Machado situation where there is a position clash, the Astros could really use Bryce Harper to help their outfield situation. With Josh Reddick, George Springer, and newly signed Michael Brantley manning the outfield, the Astros look quite loaded. However, Josh Reddick is getting older and his output has started to decline. Both Springer and Brantley look ready to produce offensively. But the question mark still lies with Josh Reddick and the signing of Bryce Harper could reall

y boost this already-talented Astros lineup. However, the signing of Bryce Harper could greatly help the growth of young outfielders like Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Ranked as a top prospect in all of baseball, Tucker’s development is crucial for the future of the Astros. As seen through Tucker’s rough start to his professional career, time is required to develop him. The signing of Harper would help Tucker’s growth as Harper could serve as a great role model and mentor for Tucker.

Unlike Machado, the addition of Harper would be possible under the cap for the Astros. In addition, Harper would be a great investment for the Astros as he can help in multiple factors.

During the trade deadline last season, Bryce Harper was almost traded to the Astros. Why not pursue him again??