Harper, Phils reach 13-year deal

[Promethius88]

Citing sources...not confirmed.

The Phillies and outfielder Bryce Harper have agreed to a historic 13-year deal, sources told MLB.com on Thursday afternoon. The deal is worth $330 million, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported -- a value that would be the largest contract in MLB and North American pro sports history. The deal does not include any opt-outs, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The deal also includes a full-no trade clause, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

[D. Bergin]

Starting to feel better about the Yanks signing Aaron Hicks and his 4.7WAR at 7 years / $70 million.

[packs]

13 years and no opt out is crazy. They still need a rotation behind Nola to compete though. If Bryce wants a championship he was better off in Washington.

[BearBailey]

Finally a contract that will make Chris davis contract look like a bargain.

[Lorewalker]

I am a Dodgers' fan so thank you Phillies! Was hoping the Dodgers were not going to sign him.

[clydepepper]

He'd better grow some very thick skin very quickly!

[Bagwell-1994]

Originally Posted by packs

13 years and no opt out is crazy. They still need a rotation behind Nola to compete though. If Bryce wants a championship he was better off in Washington.

Maybe. But looking at 2018 stats, it's pretty much a "push" IMO.

Nationals Top Starters:
Max Scherzer ERA 2.53
Tanner Roark ERA 4.34
Gio Gonzalez ERA 4.57
Stephen Strasburg ERA 3.74
Jeremy Hellickson ERA 3.45

Team Overall ERA: 4.04 WHIP 1.25 SAVES 40

Phillies Top Starters:
Aaron Nola ERA 2.37
Jake Arrieta ERA 3.96
Nick Pivetta ERA 4.77
Vince Velasquez ERA 4.85
Zach Eflin ERA 4.36

Team Overall ERA: 4.14 WHIP 1.29 SAVES 44

The overall pitching performance of both teams was nearly identical with Washington posting a slightly better ERA and WHIP. The Phillies seem to be generally younger (at least with regard to the pitching staff, the hitting line ups both pose a wealth of young talent) so there's more room for growth/improvement among the Phillies rotation.

I think the Braves are who Bryce and co. may be competing against more so than the Nats. Their 2018 team stats: ERA: 3.75 WHIP 1.28 SAVES 40 were outstanding and posted an even better team ERA than the Mets (despite their superb starting rotation and Cy Young winner deGrom). The Braves have several young core hitters posed to do big things and with perennial all-star production from Freddie Freeman, they seem to be the class of the NL East until proven otherwise IMO.

[packs]

Originally Posted by Bagwell-1994

Maybe. But looking at 2018 stats, it's pretty much a "push" IMO.

Nationals Top Starters:
Max Scherzer ERA 2.53
Tanner Roark ERA 4.34
Gio Gonzalez ERA 4.57
Stephen Strasburg ERA 3.74
Jeremy Hellickson ERA 3.45

Team Overall ERA: 4.04 WHIP 1.25 SAVES 40

Phillies Top Starters:
Aaron Nola ERA 2.37
Jake Arrieta ERA 3.96
Nick Pivetta ERA 4.77
Vince Velasquez ERA 4.85
Zach Eflin ERA 4.36

Team Overall ERA: 4.14 WHIP 1.29 SAVES 44

The overall pitching performance of both teams was nearly identical with Washington posting a slightly better ERA and WHIP. The Phillies seem to be generally younger (at least with regard to the pitching staff, the hitting line ups both pose a wealth of young talent) so there's more room for growth/improvement among the Phillies rotation.

I think the Braves are who Bryce and co. may be competing against more so than the Nats. Their 2018 team stats: ERA: 3.75 WHIP 1.28 SAVES 40 were outstanding and posted an even better team ERA than the Mets (despite their superb starting rotation and Cy Young winner deGrom). The Braves have several young core hitters posed to do big things and with perennial all-star production from Freddie Freeman, they seem to be the class of the NL East until proven otherwise IMO.

The Nationals signed Corbin this offseason. The Phillies didn't sign anybody to start. The Braves prospects lie entirely on their prospects. Soroka is already hurt and so is Vizcaino. It's going to be a hit or miss year for them.

All this is without even talking about the monster line up Washington has on top of aces in Scherzer, Strasburg and Corbin. Heading into a playoff series that's quite a three headed dragon to deal with.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

The Nationals signed Corbin this offseason. The Phillies didn't sign anybody to start. The Braves prospects lie entirely on their prospects. Soroka is already hurt and so is Vizcaino. It's going to be a hit or miss year for them.

All this is without even talking about the monster line up Washington has on top of aces in Scherzer, Strasburg and Corbin. Heading into a playoff series that's quite a three headed dragon to deal with.

Harper just wanted the most $$$$ to feed his stupid ego, I don't think winning matters to him so much.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

13 years and no opt out is crazy. They still need a rotation behind Nola to compete though. If Bryce wants a championship he was better off in Washington.

It's an absurd contract to give a 26 year old who has had his share of ups and downs, and some significant injuries, and is an average at best outfielder. 2018 WAR 1.3 by the way.

[Yastrzemski Sports]

It’s unbelievable to me that there are teams out there still handing out these contracts which have very rarely worked out for the team. I’m just glad it’s not my team.
On the bright side, maybe the money given to Harper, Machado and Arenado will hopefully avoid a labor strike in a couple of years. With $300 mil being thrown around it’s hard to cry about player salaries. Throw in Corbin, McCutchen and Pollock and I would say the players are doing ok.

[philliesfan]

I am a Dodgers' fan so thank you Phillies! Was hoping the Dodgers were not going to sign him.
Yesterday 06:20 PM

Is this what sour grapes sound like?

Seriously though, I would have preferred if they signed Machado or just waited for Trout to hit the market in two years.

[Yastrzemski Sports]

Machado Harper and Trout are frequently left out (or exit early) from the postseason. In basketball signing a big free agent will make a difference in your team immediately. A free agent position player in baseball is going to help your team as much as they helped their old team. Baseball teams win mostly when a bunch of young talented players come up and get it done early in their career - the Astros with Altuve, Correa Bregman and Springer or the Sox with Betts Bogaerts, Benintendi and Devers along with some great pitching. The Phillies were rebuilding nicely but I’m not sure I like their direction this off season.
No one has sour grapes over the Harper signing. Not that many teams were interested in giving a guy $30 mil to hit .250.

Originally Posted by philliesfan

I am a Dodgers' fan so thank you Phillies! Was hoping the Dodgers were not going to sign him.
Yesterday 06:20 PM

Is this what sour grapes sound like?

Seriously though, I would have preferred if they signed Machado or just waited for Trout to hit the market in two years.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Maybe if he put up a WAR last year higher than 1.3 he would have demanded and received 40 million.

[KCRfan1]

Originally Posted by philliesfan

I am a Dodgers' fan so thank you Phillies! Was hoping the Dodgers were not going to sign him.
Yesterday 06:20 PM

Is this what sour grapes sound like?

Seriously though, I would have preferred if they signed Machado or just waited for Trout to hit the market in two years.

You really would have preferred Machado? In Philly, he would be crucified for his lack of hustle and nonchalance attitude within a week. Simply too much baggage and crap with that guy.

Trout is the player to get assuming he hits the market and the Angels don't lock him up.