Should Phillies meet Bryce Harper’s $375 million asking price?
Bryce Harper reportedly is looking for anywhere up to $375 million for his new contract. Should the Phillies meet that asking price?
The Bryce Harper pursuit took an unexpected turn Sunday night with reports emerging that he met with the Dodgers. Turns out reports that the Phillies weren’t the only team meeting with Harper over the weekend were indeed accurate.
The Dodgers are reportedly only interested in Harper for a short-term deal and would have to go well into the luxury tax to sign him. This reinforces the notion that Philadelphia remains the only team willing to give Harper the long-term deal he is looking for, which was further confirmed by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reports that Harper negotiations hinge on whether or not Philadelphia is willing to top $300 million and finish the deal. Otherwise, Harper would consider short-term deals, bringing the Dodgers, Giants, and likely other teams back into play.
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Todd Zolecki of MLB.com said on MLB Network Monday that Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, is looking for a deal around $375 million. However, the Phillies do not want to go that high and have their walkaway point. Zolecki noted that the Dodgers’ interest may force Philadelphia to up their offer.
Previous reports indicated that a deal for Harper would likely come between $325 million and $350 million.
Now that Harper’s price may be all the way up to $375 million, things may reach their breaking point.
A 10-year, $375 million contract would be the largest ever by a wide margin, both for total money and average annual value. Adding more years at that price tag would lower his yearly financial impact, but then you are diving well into Harper’s late 30s, which is a big concern for any free agent.
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Plus, at a certain point, the total amount of money the team spends will infringe on any future moves they want to make. “Stupid money” aside, the team has stated they are keeping in mind future offseasons and won’t blow all their money at once. They almost certainly have their mind on guys like Mike Trout, Nolan Arenado, and Mookie Betts.
However, it’s unlikely Philadelphia would have to go all the way up to $375 million. They are the only team looking to give Harper a long-term deal; it’s hard to imagine he would’ve turned out Washington’s original 10-year offer and let free agency last possibly into March just to sign a short-year deal.
Even if they do have to go up to $375 million, fans may just be okay with it. About two-thirds of respondents to our Twitter poll would give Harper that amount of money rather than walking away.
Would you pay Bryce Harper $375 million or let him walk?
— PHILLIES TBOH (@FS_TBOH) February 25, 2019
Next. Bryce Harper meets with Dodgers. dark
As with Manny Machado, Philadelphia has its walking away point. Just where that remains to be seen. If they wind up walking away and another team lands Harper on a short-term deal, they will have a lot to answer for.