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MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper Gets Early Predictions Amid Phillies Slump, AL Central Team Tops The List

The Philadelphia Phillies had a disastrous first month of the 2026 season, leading to the dismissal of manager Rob Thomson earlier this week. Bryce Harper also made a slow start to the campaign, although he is on a hot run of late. Therefore, Harper could become a trade commodity this year if the Phillies are not in contention for a playoff berth by the end of July.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report identifies the Detroit Tigers as the foremost candidates to make a potential trade deal with the Philadelphia Phillies for Bryce Harper. The Tigers are set for another playoff appearance this year with a strengthened pitching staff. And while their lineup is reliable, adding the Phillies’ slugger will make a massive difference to their offensive output.

“[Tarik] Skubal and co-ace Framber Valdez are doing their job so far, yet this is the second year in a row that the offense has felt merely solid. It has an ascendant rookie in Kevin McGonigle and solid individual pieces like Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, but it needs a big bopper in the middle of the order,” Rymer wrote.

At the moment, Harper is batting .263/.358/.492 with six home runs, 19 RBIs, and a 130 OPS+. On the other hand, the Tigers are hovering around the league average in homers, slugging, and runs per game.

MLB Analyst Feels Tigers Can Get Bryce Harper Despite Obstacles

Bryce Harper seems like a good fit in the Detroit Tigers lineup. But there are several obstacles standing in the way. He has a full no-trade clause in his contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Moreover, the Tigers are unlikely to place themselves over the first luxury tax threshold. But MLB analyst Zachary D. Rymer believes they can still coax the Phillies slugger into a deal.


Bryce Harper (Image Credits: Imagn)

“With prospects like Max Clark, Bryce Rainer, and Josue Briceño to throw around in trade negotiations, the Tigers are a team that might be able to get the Phillies to listen,” he wrote.

“Given the relative ease of playing in the AL Central and the general wide-openness of the American League, they could also get Harper to sign off as well.”

Bryce Harper is signed with the Phillies until 2031. The 33-year-old has $153.2 million remaining on his contract.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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