Harper’s agreement surpasses the previous high for a free agent, set last week when infielder Manny Machado signed a $300 million, 10-year deal with the San Diego Padres. "Bryce Harper is a sensational teammate." "We get a whole lot better on the field," the manager said. He likely would hit third or fourth, according to Kapler. 930 OPS in 47 games at Citizens Bank Park. 268 average with 14 homers, 32 RBIs and a. 279 career average with 184 homers and 521 RBIs, including a. "He wanted the largest length he could get because he really wanted to stay in one city and one uniform, wanted to get a ballpark he hit well in, saw the ball well." "Harp’s goal was he wanted the largest contract and he wanted his value," Boras said. I think he would be very happy in this city because our fans care deeply about winning."Ī 26-year-old All-Star who had spent his entire big league career with the Washington Nationals, Harper topped the $325 million, 13-year agreement outfielder Giancarlo Stanton reached before the 2015 season with the Miami Marlins. "Certainly I think that the city of Philadelphia would embrace Bryce Harper. "If the reports are true, it’s a huge moment for our baseball team," Kapler said. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler and his players learned of the agreement from fans behind Philadelphia’s dugout who saw media reports on their mobile devices during a spring training game in Clearwater, Florida. 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.Harper’s agent, California-based Scott Boras, said the deal was agreed to at 10:34 a.m. 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. Washington again decided to keep him and ride out the final month. 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 Washington Nationals were unable to take advantage of Harper's second-half surge. 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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