Nationals fire sale underway???

[True Dough]

Looks like they could part with some big-name talent...

The floundering Washington Nationals placed Bryce Harper on revocable waivers, and the superstar outfielder has reportedly been claimed, according to a report from Chelsea Janes and Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post.

Harper is one of at least three Nationals players to have been claimed, including second baseman Daniel Murphy and outfielder Matt Adams. Castillo notes that Mark Reynolds, Matt Wieters, and Gio Gonzalez had also been placed on waivers.

While the team that claimed Harper is not known, National League clubs do have the first opportunity since waiver claims are league-preferred. Washington, notified on Sunday of the claim, has 48 hours to either work out a trade with the team or pull Harper back from waivers.

The 25-year-old Harper is set to become a free agent for the first time this offseason, and avoided arbitration this past winter by signing a one-year, $21.6-million deal plus incentives. Over 122 games this year, Harper is posting a .246/.380/.511 slash line with 30 home runs and nine stolen bases.

https://www.thescore.com/news/1588967

[Brother Buzz]

1. My magic 8 Ball was saying from the get-go that it was a mistake to can Dusty Baker last year.

This would have, could have, should have been Dusty's year.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Seems Like Rent A Player for Cubs

He is NOT taking over 2nd base over Baez. Baez is having a better year at the plate and is a monster in the field.

They might be able to use him at 3rd, but then what happens when Bryant comes back?

Not sure what the Cubs are doing here, other than depth and hoping to get the hitting going until Bryant is off the DL.

[True Dough]

3. You're right, he's not better than Baez this season

But he is an experienced hand and he carries a reputation for being clutch in the playoffs. I'd love to have Murphy on my team, but the Cubs do have a crowded infield. Tis a little puzzling.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. I Thought Of Something Later

Stretch run: Bryant moves to left where he has shown skill, against lefties and they keep Schwarber on the bench as a pinch hitter. Murphy plays 3rd.

Against righties, Bryant goes back to 3rd, Schwarber goes back to left and Murphy becomes a PH.

Don't know, but it might be what they're thinking.