Cubs Handed Intriguing Speculation About Phillies’ Bryce Harper

The Chicago Cubs have emerged as a potential trade destination for Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper, according to speculation highlighted by Sports Illustrated writer Nick Ziegler. Following early postseason eliminations for both clubs in the Wild Card Series, Heavy's Eduardo Razo reports that Chicago may seek offensive upgrades via the trade market. Ziegler suggested that Harper would provide lineup protection alongside Pete Crow-Armstrong at Wrigley Field.

Harper posted a .269 batting average with 29 home runs and 87 RBIs across 162 games. The article also notes that Chicago could lose outfielder Seiya Suzuki in free agency, with FanSided writer Zachary Rotman projecting that Suzuki may price himself out of the Cubs' budget.