By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor 
With the possibility of the World Series ending as soon as Saturday, the offseason and subsequent free agency period are not too far away. And despite his controversial comments and on-the-field actions this postseason, Manny Machado appears to remain among the Philadelphia Phillies' top targets to acquire for the 2019 season and beyond.
Bryce Harper, too.
According to Fancred's Jon Heyman, the possibility the Phillies pursue both Machado and Harper — who will seek record contracts — is not "off the board."
Heyman writes:
The Phillies put themselves in terrific position to make a big splash by limiting the number of long-term contracts on their roster and spending well beneath their means as they’ve rebuilt in recent years. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a $2.5 billion TV deal over 20 years, which translates to $125 million a year. Teams, not just the Phillies, are not noticing the value of money.
Phillies fans are known to get on players who do not hustle, and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Machado recently said — after a postseason game — that being "Johnny Hustle" is not his "cup of tea." Machado also kicked Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jesus Aguilar and created interference by using his hands on a doubleplay grounder. Those comments and actions are not keeping the Phillies away, per Heyman.
Phillies people know — and seem to love — Machado, they want to win, they have resources and they have also noticed there’s a high correlation between spending and winning. … The word you hear when Philly people talk about Machado is “talent,” and it’s pretty clear talent plays. They also know Machado since most of the Orioles hierarchy happened to be in Baltimore when Machado was picked No. 3 overall in the memorable 2010 MLB draft.
The 2018 season started off remarkably well, and ended the polar opposite with a lackluster third-place finish in the National League East. If the club somehow can land both Machado and Harper over the next few months, expect excitement to flourish once again throughout Citizens Bank Park in 2019.
