Phillies: Bryce Harper domino effect could last decades

Bryce Harper could out-price the Phillies from Mike Trout

Phillies fans have been eyeing South Jersey native Mike Trout ever since he broke onto the scene in 2012. Since that season Trout has finished in the top four of the MVP voting every year and has finished in the top two in six of the last seven years.

Trout is undoubtedly the best player in baseball and his connections to Philadelphia have fans oodling at the idea of having him patrolling center field in Citizens Bank Park.

Philadelphia Phillies

However, if the Phillies sign Harper they could be priced out of Trout if he hits free agency after the 2020 season.

Trout would command the largest contract in baseball history, which is what Harper’s goal is this offseason. Philadelphia can’t afford to pay Trout and Harper $35-40 million each per year, can they?

While the prospects of having a Harper/Trout outfield is enticing, Philadelphia might be forced to pick between the two.

Philadelphia shouldn’t limit themselves this offseason with the hopes of getting Trout, but Matt Klentak lined up the team’s money going into this offseason in order to be players for Harper and Machado. Could he do the same with Trout in mind? Again, that’s difficult considering the pressure created by ownership to spend and win.

If Harper signs with Philadelphia, it could squash the dreams of Trout coming home, at least for now.

A lot more could happen if/when the Phillies sign Harper, but the domino effect will carry on for years.