Sports Why Bryce Harper, Manny Machado are likely to become highest-paid athletes December 21, 2018Gabe Lacques, USA TODAYComments Off on Why Bryce Harper, Manny Machado are likely to become highest-paid athletes The 26-year-old superstars will surpass the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Giancarlo Stanton with eye-popping deals, but the NFL, NBA are closing gap.