Lets adjust expectations because Harper is not putting up the same offensive numbers this season as Machado, even though their career numbers are very similar in the same number of career games. He is currently hitting .216 with 25 home runs. Some advanced stats may paint a more optimistic story, but these are not the numbers that made Harper one of the highest touted prospects of this era. Off name and marketing value alone, Bryce would most likely command something along the lines of a top 50 prospect, a major league contributor (the Nationals do still have playoff aspirations even if Harper is not a part of them), and 1-2 mid to lower level prospects. Currently with the 14th ranked farm system on MiLB.com, the Nationals have room for improvement with Juan Soto looking like he will never need to return to the minors, Victor Robles ready to crack the major league outfield, and Eric Fedde making regular starts in the rotation. The Nationals will need to add pieces at some point after giving up Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, and Dane Dunning for Adam Eaton. Eaton, Soto, and Robles figure to be the Nationals’ starting outfield for the next few years depending how things shake out with Harper.

In Rizzo’s 9 years as President and General Manager of the former Montreal Expos, he has been clear about his philosophy: get as many cracks at the playoffs as you can and eventually you will break through. This doesn’t necessarily mean do whatever it takes each season to maximize the talent on your roster, it speaks to Rizzo’s philosophy for replenishing the well. With the exception of last year’s desperation trade for Brandon Kintzler, who later re-signed in the offseason, and this year’s move for Kelvin Herrera to aid an overworked bullpen, Rizzo has rarely made a move for a rental by sacrificing organizational depth. The earlier mentioned Eaton trade is the most notable move made that raided the Nationals farm. Rizzo has taken the long view on the Nationals, stocking the team with young talent so that there is no concept of a “window.” It is a view that has served the Nationals well, winning the National League East in 4 of the last 6 seasons, even if they do not have a playoff series win to show for it.