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Chicago Cubs are favorites to land Bryce Harper in 2019 thanks to lifelong bond

By Ryan Heckman

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Chicago Cubs third baseman and Major League Baseball 2015 National League Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant (L) and Washington Nationals right fielder and MLB 2015 National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper hold ceremonial keys to the city of Las Vegas they received from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman at the Fremont Street Experience on December 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both players grew up playing against and with each other in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Chicago Cubs third baseman and Major League Baseball 2015 National League Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant (L) and Washington Nationals right fielder and MLB 2015 National League Most Valuable Player Bryce Harper hold ceremonial keys to the city of Las Vegas they received from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman at the Fremont Street Experience on December 17, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both players grew up playing against and with each other in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Sure, it’s Opening Day in 2018. But, the Chicago Cubs are already favorites to win big in 2019. Could you see the big move happening?

Baseball is back!

I’m sure you’ve heard those words countless times over the course of this week, and they never get old! The Chicago Cubs are ready to rock in their quest for a second World Series in three seasons.

Before we get to looking at how the 2018 season will shake out for the Cubbies, I would like to point out a bit of news that came out this week. It is well-known by now that in 2019, the Cubs could have a shot at a big-name free agent.

Per BetDSISportsbook, Washington Nationals superstar Bryce Harper is most likely to land with our beloved Cubs. Here are the full odds, per the oddsmakers:

"Cubs: +150Nationals: +250Dodgers: +350Giants: +500Red Sox: +750Yankees: +1,000"

Of course, the Nationals are up there because they are currently home to Harper. A strong bid will be made by Mike Rizzo, I’m sure. But, he will have hefty competition.

One reason why the Cubs should have a strong chance to land Harper is because of their own former MVP, young third baseman Kris Bryant. Both Harper and Bryant grew up playing with and against each other in Las Vegas. They have had a relationship since they were about eight years old.

Bryant and Harper have both praised each other for years and know just how good each of them are and can continue to be. A couple of years ago, via MLB.com, Bryant said this of Harper and his decision to drop out of high school and attend college early:

"“He knew he was good and I think that’s a good trait to have. You want to go out there confident and he was confident. I think that helped him get to where he is today. He doesn’t care who’s on the mound or who the other team is. He’s always going to go out there and believe he’s better than the opponent and that’s something you need.”"

The two of them have a history together. They have a lifelong bond and friendship. That could bode well for the Cubs who will undoubtedly have their name in the hat of the Harper sweepstakes.

Next: 5 reasons Cubs are World Series bound

For now, let’s enjoy the start of this year’s season and hope that when Harper is making his rounds, the Cubs have yet another World Series championship to waft in front of his face in hopes he’d choose Chicago.

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