For the better part of the last five years, Philadelphia Phillies fans have eyed the 2018-19 offseason as one that could help the Phillies return to prominence. Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado, two Hall of Fame caliber talents, will reach free-agency this offseason at the age of 26.
Machado, currently in the midst of a playoff run with the Dodgers, has long appeared to be the Phillies No. 1 target. The four-time All-Star slashed .297/.367/.538 with 37 home runs, 107 RBIs, 70 walks and a 6.2 fWAR in 2018, a season that he split between the Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.