The Phillies have their man -- and they certainly paid for it.
The most amazing part? The contract includes no opt-outs -- meaning the Phillies now have complete control of one of the best young players in baseball for the next 13 years. At just 26-years old, that will be arguably the prime of the career for a player that many feel is on a Hall-of-Fame track.
At $330 million over 13 years, the contract is the largest ever handed out in professional sports. At $25 million per year, however, it is not the per year average.
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.