Report: Dodgers checked with Nationals about Harper's availability

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest trade splash of the season last week when they acquired Manny Machado from the Baltimore Orioles for five players. They might be trying to outdo themselves.

The Dodgers have checked in with the Washington Nationals about the availability of outfielder Bryce Harper, sources told NBC L.A.'s Michael J. Duarte.

However, Washington might be inclined to keep Harper, who's in the final year of his contract before he's eligible for free agency. The Nationals are seven games back of the top spot in the National League East.

Nationals ownership is reportedly pushing general manager Mike Rizzo to sell, but the executive isn't willing to give up on the season just yet.

The Dodgers fell one game short of winning their first World Series since 1988 last season and appear hungry to claim the crown. Adding Harper to a lineup that already includes Machado, Cody Bellinger, the resurgent Matt Kemp, and Max Muncy would certainly seem to better their chances.

The Nationals All-Star and Machado are the two biggest free agents available this offseason and could earn the most lucrative contracts in baseball history, although Harper has struggled to a career-low .216 batting average this year.

Despite this, he's still been productive. He's tied for the NL lead in home runs with 25, has walked more than anyone in the majors not named Mike Trout, and has an OPS above .800 for the sixth time in his career.

The 2015 NL MVP is also one of MLB's most marketable players, and the 25-year-old generated quite a bit of buzz with his performance in the All-Star Home Run Derby.