Plan B Forum

Bryce Harper agrees to deal with Philadelphia Phillies



Outfielder Bryce Harper agreed to a record-setting 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday, completing a protracted, four-month journey through free agency and officially ending his seven-year tenure with the Washington Nationals, the franchise that drafted and developed him, brought him to the majors as a teenager in 2012 and watched him blossom into one of baseball’s biggest superstars. [That's gratitude for you...]

Harper’s deal, which will become official once he passes a physical, with one of the Nationals’ biggest rivals surpassed Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million extension with the Miami Marlins in 2014 as the largest contract in the history of major North American sports. But agent Scott Boras fell short of making Harper the game’s highest-paid player by annual salary.

The Phillies had been considered the favorites to sign Harper, 26, for much of the winter, owing in part to a November remark by owner John Middleton, who told USA Today he was willing to be “a little stupid” with his spending this winter. Talks intensified in recent weeks, and the Phillies ultimately held off late efforts by the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants.

In recent weeks, the lack of a deal, despite the Phillies’ obvious interest and considerable resources, led to widespread speculation Harper did not want to play in Philadelphia and preferred a West Coast destination, closer to his Las Vegas home. But not only did Harper ultimately choose the Phillies, with a contract that won’t end until after 2031, he also agreed to a deal with a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs — signs that he intends to spend the rest of his career with the team.

As National League East rivals, the Phillies play the Nationals 19 times this season, with Harper’s first appearance at Nationals Park coming April 2. [I'm sure he'll get a warm reception...]

Lord Jim wrote:May the Phillies acquisition of Bryce Harper work out every bit as well for them as the Red Sox signing of my favorite SF Giant, Pablo Sandoval, did for them...

Lord Jim wrote:

As National League East rivals, the Phillies play the Nationals 19 times this season, with Harper’s first appearance at Nationals Park coming April 2. [I'm sure he'll get a warm reception...]

Lord Jim wrote:May the Phillies acquisition of Bryce Harper work out every bit as well for them as the Red Sox signing of my favorite SF Giant, Pablo Sandoval, did for them...