Bryce Harper is Going to Get PAID Now in Free Agency
The MLB Off-season has been focused on two big free agents: Manny Machado and Bryce Harper. Both were seeking out big deals and one of them got it today.
BREAKING: Free agent star Manny Machado has agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres, league sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 19, 2019
So now, Machado is off of the board with going to San Diego (have fun Manny!) and the attention switches quickly to Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies.
The #Padres simply outbid everyone and got their man.
Now, the #Phillies will be focusing solely on Bryce Harper.— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 19, 2019
What Does Machado’s Deal Mean to Harper?
In two words: a lot!
Harper and Arenado both should benefit from Manny Machado’s 10-year, $300M deal with the #Padres – Harper because he now has Team Stupid Money (the #Phillies) to himself and Arenado because #Rockies know his price might only rise. Rockies, Arenado still talking extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 19, 2019
It has been very talked about around the league that Bryce Harper to the Phillies could be a realistic possibility. But, at what cost? Do the Phillies go above the 300 million dollar mark? Well…they probably should!
What the Phillies Will Get with Harper If He Signs
The Phillies will be getting a six time All-star, a 2015 N.L. MVP, and Silver Slugger all in one. Harper is a five tool player that can make any team much better in an instant. Sure, he has some cockiness to him and a lot of swagger. But when you hit for 34 homeruns and 100 RBI’s and people say you had a bad year, then you know you’re a terrific player.
In Conclusion
The Phillies better be ready to bring out the brinks trucks. They are going to need a lot of them to land the now biggest free agent on the market. Will Harper be worth it? Most likely yes! But…could the Padres make another big splash before the 2019 season begins?
Padres are pulling off one surprise (once Manny’s finalized) but here’s another shocker : they aren’t ruling out Bryce Harper, too. 110M payroll (with MM) is still lower than most.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 19, 2019
*Cue the suspenseful music* Tune into the next episode of “The 2018-2019 MLB Off-season” to find out.
-Alan Nahigian (BigAl2793)