Harper's potential last year with Nationals ends without playoff appearance

Bryce Harper's potential final season with the Washington Nationals didn't go as planned.

Washington was eliminated from postseason contention after the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-4 walk-off win over the San Francisco Giants on Saturday.

The Nationals entered 2018 as a favorite to win the National League East, but scuffled, ultimately leading the team to deal several veteran players including Daniel Murphy, Gio Gonzalez, Ryan Madson, Matt Adams, Brandon Kintzler, Brian Goodwin, and Shawn Kelley.

The Atlanta Braves secured the division on Saturday with a victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Harper, the 2015 NL MVP and six-time All-Star, is expected to earn a big payday on the open market. He's been engaged in constant talks with Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo about a potential return to Washington, but is likely to be one of the most coveted players in baseball history as he hits free agency.

Since debuting with the Nationals in 2012, Harper has slashed .278/.387/.512 with 184 home runs and 518 RBIs but couldn't help Washington advance past the division series.