Harper finds home with Phillies
Harper sets record with $330 million deal over 13 years
According to agent Scott Boras, Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $330 million, 13-year contract, the largest deal in baseball history. Boras said Harper wanted the longest length deal possible.
It took a long time and a lot of money, but the Philadelphia Phillies finally landed Bryce Harper with a record contract.
The young star outfielder and the Phillies agreed Thursday to a $330 million, 13-year contract, the largest deal in baseball history.
Harper’s agent, California-based Scott Boras, said the deal was agreed to at 1:34 p.m. EST, subject to a successful physical.
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, Fla.
A 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.
“Harp’s goal was he wanted the largest contract and he wanted his value,” Boras said. “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.”
Harper has a .279 career average with 184 homers and 521 RBIS, including a .268 average with 14 homers, 32 RBIS and a .930 OPS in 47 games at Citizens Bank Park. He likely would hit third or fourth, according to Kapler.
“We get a whole lot better on the field,” the manager said. “Bryce Harper is a sensational teammate.”
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. Yankees 8, Pirates 6: Troy Tulowitzki hit a three-run home run for New York. J.A. Happ made his first start, allowing three runs on three hits including a solo homer by Jung Ho Kang and a two-run shot by JB Shuck, in 11⁄3 innings. Aaron Judge doubled and scored. Tyler Wade added a solo homer. ... Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman says he has recovered from left knee tendinitis that bothered him during much of last season. Mets 3, Cardinals 2: Michael Conforto got his first two hits of the spring and stole a base for New York. Pete Alonso had two hits and two RBIS, and Jason Vargas allowed only Matt Carpenter’s leadoff home run, pitching two innings and striking out three in his first start. ... Yadier Molina is likely two weeks from an exhibition game appearance at catcher for the Cardinals as he recovers from left knee surgery Red Sox 13, Nationals 5: Blake Swihart had an RBI single a day after the death of his 23-year-old brother, Romell Jordan. Swihart was pulled following his hit in the fourth and was greeted by a big hug from manager Alex Cora in the dugout. Jackie Bradley Jr. had three hits, driving in a run and scoring another for Boston. Brock Holt hit his first home run of the spring, a three-run shot, and Xander Bogaerts added an RBI double and a single. Washington starter Max Scherzer gave up one hit in three shutout innings with four strikeouts.
Note: Shenendehowa graduate Ian Anderson pitched an inning for the Braves in their 7-6 loss to the Tigers, allowing a run and two hits and walking a batter.