Phils Sign Bryce Harper, extend spring training invite

[zambonir]

Salisbury:

This city loves the Aaron Rowand types. Harper is that, just in superstar form.

Still think that perception of Harper is funny. And so race-based.

[allentown]

Alright, this is great. The rebuild moves forward. This really had to happen for TPTB to be credible. We should now be favorites in NL East. With Realmuto, we possibly had only a 2-year window, so Bryce was really important. MM was my #1 choice, but I'll happily take this, and it comes in $20 mill below what I expected would be a good price, thinking more might be needed.

If it's 13 years, I think the last 3 (or 4) are throwaway years put in to lower the AAV. Harper is good, but really, what can one realistically expect at age 39.

[EastFallowfield]

[Lawman]

So, does Bryce Harper wear a Phillies hat or Nationals heat when he enters the Hall of Fame in 2036?

[zambonir]

[andyb]

DC reporter tweet has the contract heavily front-loaded which would increase the value to Harper while keeping the AAV lower. Full no-trade but he would be much more tradeable if the last few years are at $10 million or something like that.

[zambonir]

One might even speculate that he agreed to this in order to make the team better while he's here. (And, yes, to play with Trout.)

[EastFallowfield]

Shane Victorino (ShaneVictorino)

[el-pietro]

Absolutely buzzing with this news. He was the final piece for this offseason. This team has a real legitimate shot to win the East and once you are in the post season anything can happen.

I've picked a great season to come into Philadelphia for opening day! I am slightly worried for my safety in Nats park for that two day series now though, I'm not one to hold my tongue usually!

[Slinging_Southpaw]

We just signed one for the last 8 years of his contract.

[andyb]

One might even speculate that he agreed to this in order to make the team better while he's here. (And, yes, to play with Trout.)

Let's not go too far into the "Bryce is all about team" land. If he gets $200 million in 5 years and the last $130 million the next 8 it is probably worth more in present dollars than a $400 million contract that gradually scaled up.

Our payroll was about $15 million below this year's AAV, so throwing him $50 million in the first year is probably something they can do cash-flow wise.

[jimbomill]

Glad the ordeal is over!

aye!
Indeed

[growe]

The only thing left on my wish list is to fast forward to Opening Day right now. Nothing to complain about with that contract - what an emotional roller coastal, but all is now forgiven. Play Ball!

[el-pietro]

Its only four weeks away! 28 days and counting!

[Philsmania]

Let's hope he doesn't keep on averaging only 132 games played per season.

[Taudawg]

This smells like a good strategy - something like a Howie Roseman type move. A front load the deal over the next couple years which should be his best. If he's just a lefty platoon DH the last few years, the cost isn't prohibitive.

[VoteForKalas]

13 year deal with no opt outs and a full no trade clause

He will be 39 yrs old when it ends

DH after year 5 max, they better pray Harper stays healthy or this could get real ugly

[Patchmk88]

Now we have people complaining about the length of the contract? The last 3 years are super cheap. We paid in total for 13 what some believe it would cost for 10. This was a great signing. Is there risk? Of course there is but the potential reward is some World Series titles and a lot of marketing money for the Phillies.

[allentown]

I guess the big deal was the $330 million and the front-load, and they were determined that they would get all his value for that money with no chance his 37-39 years are good and for another team. I didn't think they'd want to carry the salary cap hit that far into the future, but I guess it's even money whether or not they are rebuilding, with no cap worries, in a given 3 year span that far into future.

[zambonir]

Let's not go too far into the "Bryce is all about team" land. I

My tongue was slightly in cheek but it's not less true than saying he only cares about money and doesn't love us otherwise.