After months of deliberation, and beyond any other Washington Nationals rumors, outfielder Bryce Harper signs with the Philadelphia Phillies. Harper’s deal is the most expensive in MLB history.
The Nationals rumors are true! Outfielder Bryce Harper has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, according to multiple sources, and first reported by Jon Heyman.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports the deal is for 13 years and $330 million. The deal reportedly has no opt-out clauses. Jared Diamond reports the agreement includes a $20 million signing bonus.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Harper did not want an opt-out clause in his contract with the Phillies.
Harper and agent Scott Boras reportedly met with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday but did not agree to a deal.
Jon Morosi tweeted shortly after the news broke of Harper’s deal that Harper received a 10-year offer from the Giants.
After striking out on Manny Machado, the Phillies gave their money to Harper, who now becomes the highest paid player in North American sports history, surpassing Giancarlo Stanton, who signed a $325 million contract in 2014.
This signing leaves the Nationals with a projected starting outfield of Juan Soto, Adam Eaton, and Victor Robles, with Michael A. Taylor as the fourth outfielder.
The Phillies now have Harper, free-agent signee Andrew McCutchen, and Odubel Herrera to roam the Citizens Bank Park outfield.
This move, perhaps expected at this point by Nationals fans, is undoubtedly a blow to the team’s chances in 2019.
Not only are the Nats losing a former MVP and 6x all-star, but they will end up playing against him nearly 20 times each season for the next 13 years.
The Phillies and Nationals meet for the first time this season on April 2 when the Phillies visit D.C. for a two-game series.
Neither Harper nor Boras has yet to comment on the deal publicly.