PHILADELPHIA (94WIP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies have signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract, according to multiple reports.
It sets a record for the largest contract in American sports history, surpassing Giancarlo Stanton's $325 million contract extension with the Miami Marlins. The deal does not include an opt-out clause, though it does contain a full no-trade clause.
On Nov. 16, Phillies managing partner John Middleton told USA Today's Bob Nightengale he was willing to spend "stupid money." Middleton has certainly come through: It is the biggest free-agent signing in Phillies history and maybe the biggest Philadelphia sports acquisition in three decades.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants were seen as the other finalists to sign Harper.
The Phillies, who also signed Andrew McCutchen, David Robertson, and acquired Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto this offseason, add Harper to a lineup with younger slugger Rhys Hoskins and a roster with ascending ace Aaron Nola.
Harper, 26, may not be the best player in MLB, but he is baseball's biggest star. The 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 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 Feb. 21. On Feb. 26, the Rockies signed Nolan Arenado to an eight-year deal worth $260 million.