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A few days ago, Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski mentioned that he's already had early trade conversations with other clubs.
The Phillies relieved manager Rob Thomson of his duties after the NL East club got off to a poor 9-19 start. If Philadelphia's losing ways run into June and July, it could become a seller at the deadline.
Dombrowski and first baseman Bryce Harper's relationship may have soured during the offseason after Dombrowski implied that the two-time MVP was no longer an elite player. Harper has a no-trade clause in his contract, but could waive that if the Phillies can find a suitable fit.
Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer listed the Chicago Cubs as a team to keep an eye on in the Harper sweepstakes -- if there is one.
"Yet even if that is the case, the Cubs are in a perfect spot to not leave good enough alone," Rymer wrote. "The point of adding Harper would be to make a key strength even more ironclad. And while [Michael] Busch had a good year in 2025, he's neither an up-and-comer nor someone the Cubs have a lot invested in. His leash should be short."
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Harper is a well-established star who could help the Cubs hurdle contenders like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Atlanta Braves in the postseason. He would bring power and veteran leadership to a clubhouse that has his World Baseball Classic teammates, third baseman Alex Bregman and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
"Otherwise, Harper has expressed his fondness for the Cubs and Wrigley Field in the past," Rymer concluded. "And while Chicago doesn't have a ton in its farm system, Jaxon Wiggins is one name that could conceivably get trade talks moving."
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