The Clock Is Ticking

Bryce Harper enters 2018 knowing he's almost certain to be the most coveted free agent after the season. Coming off a dynamic but injury-shortened year, and still just 25, he probably just needs to stay healthy to claim an unprecedented windfall.
There's only one small shred of doubt -- which perhaps the Nationals replacing manager Dusty Baker with Dave Martinez could overcome. His teams have never won a playoff series. Four times in the past six seasons, Washington has won the NL East -- and all seasons ended with Division Series losses. More than any other, baseball is a team game. Pitching failures can't be blamed on Harper.
Playing in a weak division, where it's again possible the Nats will be the only club over .500, they appear to be a lock to return to the playoffs. Reaching the Championship Series or, even better, the World Series, could be the cherry on top for Bryce Harper's resume -- especially with uber-agent Scott Boras handling his negotiations.

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