When a player asks for an extension with eight years left on a contract, its easy to laugh and tell them to go pound sand. When it's Bryce Harper and Scott Boras, you pay close attention.
"Understand, I want to be here for a long time, and understand, I want to play into my forties," Harper recently said.
13 years, $330,000,000 was, and still is, one of the biggest contracts handed out in MLB history. Nevertheless, Harper is severely underpaid.
Reading a stat line does not come close to telling you just how valuable Harper is to the Phillies' organization. He treats every game as if it's his last. He is accountable. He is willing to try something new to make the team better, like play first base. He is a clubhouse leader. He is at least partially responsible for the additions of several key players on a World Series contending roster. He panders like no other, never breaking character. He is the franchise.
Five years ago the Phillies had to decide, Harper or Manny Machado. Manny has since been given a second, more lucrative contract in San Diego. Who is more important to their franchise? It's an easy call.
Harper is more valuable than Mookie Betts in LA, Fernando Tatis in San Diego, Francisco Lindor in New York, all of whom have richer contracts than Harper.
"I think there's been communication there, between myself and Dave [Dombrowski], and also Scott [Boras]. Obviously I want to be here a long time, and we'll see what happens," Harper said via NBC Sports Philadelphia.
The Phillies should pay Bryce Harper.
