The Phillies have reportedly signed Bryce Harper, the biggest free-agent signing in the history of the franchise and maybe the biggest Philadelphia sports acquisition in three decades, according to Jon Heyman.
Breaking: Bryce to the Phillies
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2019
The deal is reportedly worth $330 million for 13 years, and no opt outs.
The Phillies, who also signed Andrew McCutchen, David Robertson, and acquired Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto, add Harper to a lineup with younger slugger Rhys Hoskins and a clubhouse with ascending ace Aaron Nola.
Harper, 26, may not be the best player in MLB, but he is baseball's biggest star. The former 2010 No. 1 overall pick won the National League MVP in 2015, putting together one of the finest seasons in recent memory, as he slashed .330/.460/.649 with 42 home runs, 99 RBIs, 124 walks and a 9.3 fWAR.
Earlier in the offseason, the Phillies seemed more interested in former Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million with the San Diego Padres on February 21st. On February 26th, the Rockies signed Nolan Arenado to an eight-year deal worth $260 million ($32.5 million per season), with a three-year opt-out.
On November 16th, Phillies managing partner John Middleton told USA Today's Bob Nightengale he was willing to spend, "stupid money." Middleton has certainly come through.
