Bryce Harper Named Phillies Top Trade Asset Entering Offseason

The Philadelphia Phillies were knocked out of the playoffs earlier than expected once again this year, with the team entering the offseason on a sour note.

After a poor September stretch of games, the Phillies barely reached the postseason as the final wild-card team in the National League. Philadelphia then was bounced by the Atlanta Braves, sending them to an early offseason.

As the team heads into a crucial offseason, there could be some big changes coming to the roster. Philadelphia has already decided to bring back manager Don Mattingly for the upcoming season, adding some continuity to the team.

But after another poor ending to the year, the Phillies could elect to make some decisions around the team. The core of the roster is still very good, but something has to change with this unit to get over the hump of winning the World Series.

One of those could come around star Bryce Harper, who put together a very nice season for the Phillies. Harper is getting up there in age, now at 34, and the Phillies could elect to gauge the trade market for the veteran slugger.

In a new article from MLB analyst Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report, Harper is listed as the team's top trade asset. There have been rumors about a trade of Harper from the Phillies in the past, but up to this point, the team has held back.

But following another early playoff exit, it could finally take place this offseason, especially with the impending lockout coming. Teams won't know what the financial implications of a new CBA will be, and moving off the large contract of Harper could make sense.

Multiple teams would be interested in going after Harper if the Phillies made him available. And the team could net a large haul for the star slugger, even at his age.

While it seems unlikely for the Phillies to make this move, it could still happen, especially given the relationship that Harper has had with the organization in the past. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and Harper have seen their share of issues 

In all likelihood, Harper will be back with the Phillies for 2027 and beyond, but if the team wanted to make a major change, moving him could make some sense. Philadelphia wants to win a World Series, and the moves made this offseason could determine a lot for the next few years of the franchise.