MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Landing Spots For Bryce Harper if Phillies Pull the Trigger

The Philadelphia Phillies have won five of their last six games since firing manager Rob Thomson a week ago. But at 14-20, already 10 games back of the first-place Atlanta Braves, can they get themselves right back into the playoff hunt?

If not, could the Phils try to divest themselves of a mammoth contract (and personality) in Bryce Harper to restock the shelves a bit? That's the question being asked by Zachary Rymer in Bleacher Report. He goes on to suggest several potential landing spots for Harper if the Phillies pull the trigger. Here, we look at the top three options that make sense.

1. Detroit Tigers

As always, the AL Central is up for grabs, and is, once again, the Tigers' to win. With a vaunted one-two punch at the top of their rotation, Tarik Skubal and Framber Valdez, the team should take nothing for granted and go for broke this season. Skubal is a goner in free agency after the year.

Harper would address a glaring need in the lineup, as Spencer Torkelson simply doesn't contribute enough for a championship contender at a position, first base, that teams must have big offensive production from. Rymer suggests that Detroit could offer up a number of big-time prospects to try to get a deal done.

Harper would have to sign-off, as he has a no-trade clause, but it would be a much easier path to the World Series for him with the favored Tigers in the AL Central, and an American League pennant that's up for grabs. With the LA Dodgers as a forever stumbling block in the NL, Harper, by accepting a trade to the AL, would have a chance to get back to the big stage, where he loves to thrive.

2. Chicago Cubs

Another team with a solid shot at winning their division, the Cubs currently lead the NL Central. Michael Busch is not having anywhere near the follow-up season at first base that the Cubbies had hoped for, coming off his 34-homer, .866 OPS year in 2025. He's struggling with a .207 average and just two home runs going into Sunday's play.

As for that no-trade clause? Rymer notes that Harper "has expressed fondness for the Cubs and Wrigley Field in the past."

3. Texas Rangers

Another team hoping to contend for a long playoff run, with a void at first base. Jake Burger is having another disappointing season, with just six homers and an OPS that doesn't come close to .700 for the second year in a row. Like the Cubs and Tigers, Texas is in a winnable division, even though they're off to a slow start this season. They were just one game back of the Athletics heading into Sunday's play.

The Rangers have the starting rotation to get them there and be a solid force in the postseason, but they need some help on the offensive side of the ball. Adding a winner like Harper into the mix would be a huge boost for the Rangers.

Other honorable mentions as potential Harper destinations include the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.