Upon breaking down the particulars, though, it's not hard to see why he felt upset that that was the best the team could do. Some might scoff at Harper's disappointment given how much money he stood to earn from Washington. Apstein also noted the value of the Nationals' final offer for Harper would've equated to $184 million now based on how much was to be paid out later. Sports Illustrated's Stephanie Apstein wrote Stephen Strasburg's seven-year, $245 million extension includes deferrals as well. Although Scherzer becomes a free agent when he's 37, the Nats will continue paying him until he turns 44 because part of his money is deferred. Washington used the tactic with Max Scherzer's seven-year, $210 million contract. ![]() Harper's Phillies contract, by comparison, contains no deferrals." Such deferred payments would have significantly reduced its present-day value. "However, according to multiple people in the industry, the Nationals' offer also contained deferrals of up to $100 million, to be paid out over decades - so much deferred money that Major League Baseball raised concerns. Sheinin and Janes reported contrasts between the Nationals' and Phillies' offers went beyond the $30 million more he got from Philadelphia: Mike Trout has since surpassed Harper upon signing a 12-year, $426.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Angels. Those moves on their own would have improved the team's 80-82 record in 2018, but adding Harper to the mix gives the franchise legitimate World Series aspirations.At the time, it was the biggest contract in MLB history. They also upgraded their bullpen by signing David Robertson. Realmuto from the Miami Marlins and Jean Segura from the Seattle Mariners. Philadelphia's offseason started by signing Andrew McCutchen, acquiring J.T. Phillies owner John Middleton told USA Today's Bob Nightengale in November the team was prepared to be a " little bit stupid" with their offseason spending.Īfter the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants tried to get into the Harper sweepstakes late in the process, the Phillies finally got "stupid" to ensure they weren't outbid for the superstar. This was a crucial offseason for the Phillies, who are trying to compete with the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals in the NL East. He adds a rare combination of offensive skill and defensive versatility-the Nationals frequently used him in center field and right field-and will completely transform his new team's outlook for 2019 and beyond. The Phillies hit a home run by adding Harper to the middle of their lineup for the next 13 years. He ranks fifth in Major League Baseball with 184 homers and 30.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement over the past seven seasons. Harper has been one of the best players in since his debut in 2012. It's rare to find a transcendent talent still in their prime on the open market. He's appeared in at least 147 games three times in the past four seasons. The only major concern for Harper has been injuries, but even that has been alleviated. Despite Harper's age and skill set, it took until after spring training began before he found a deal in line with what he was looking for. He was in a unique position to break the bank because of his age and high level of performance throughout his career that will likely continue over the course of a long-term deal. Once the World Series ended, the race to sign Harper in free agency began. 6 that Harper rejected a "mega" contract offer on the final day of the regular season. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Nov. The Nationals tried to keep Harper from even hitting free agency. Dodgers fans righted this wrong almost immediately. LOS ANGELES - There were enough Phillies fans at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night that Bryce Harper got cheered as he walked to home plate in the first inning for his first plate appearance of 2023. Washington again decided to keep him and ride out the final month. Harper readjusting, but 'extremely excited' to be back. ![]() 31 deadline, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being awarded the claim on the six-time All-Star. There was speculation he would be traded prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but general manager Mike Rizzo squashed those rumors.īryce is not going anywhere," Rizzo told Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post. "I believe in this team." The Nationals placed Harper on waivers to potentially move him prior to the Aug. ![]() The contract includes a no opt-out clause. The Washington Nationals were unable to take advantage of Harper's second-half surge. Bryce Harper has signed a 13-year record-breaking 330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday. 214/.365/.468 slash line in the first half.Īfter winning the Home Run Derby at Nationals Park, Harper was back to his usual self following the All-Star break. ![]() He struggled out of the gate, at least by his lofty standards, with a. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.Īll eyes have been on Harper's free agency dating back to the start of the 2018 season. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said he heard the deal got done through fans who were sitting behind the Phillies dugout providing "minute-to-minute" updates, per Eduardo A.
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