Bryce Harper Rumors: Why The Philadelphia Phillies Might Give MLB Star A Record-Setting Contract

The Philadelphia Phillies are on the clock now that Manny Machado has agreed to join the San Diego Padres. One of MLB’s two star free agents in the 2019 offseason is off the board, and the organization has no margin for error in their pursuit of the remaining All-Star slugger.

It’s been expected by most fans, insiders and those in baseball that the Phillies would sign either Machado or Bryce Harper. While the team has improved itself in a number of ways this winter, the offseason will be considered a failure by many if Philadelphia enters the upcoming season without one of the 26-year-olds on their roster.

That could mean it’s time to overpay for Harper, even if he wasn’t the front office’s first choice.

There have been reports that Philadelphia executives preferred Machado to Harper. The infielder has been a more consistent performer over the last few years. After winning the 2015 NL MVP award, Harper has never finished in the top 10 for the award and become a defensive liability.

If the Phillies didn’t believe Machado was worth $300 million, they probably don’t think Harper is worth more. The outfielder, however, is looking to become the highest-paid player in MLB history. Philadelphia might not be willing to take any chances.

Owner John Middleton indicated the Phillies would be ready to overpay a star when he told USA Today in November that the team might be “a little stupid” about spending money this offseason. CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden has reported that Philadelphia is likely to make an offer that surpasses Giancarlo Stanton’s record $325 million contract.

Giving Harper a historic deal could very well be a little stupid in the long run. It could also help Philadelphia reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years and make them immediate World Series contenders.

The Phillies have plenty of money to spend. They are projected to have the 13th-highest salary for the 2019 season, and even giving Harper close to $33 million a year wouldn’t put them near the $206 million luxury tax threshold.

Philadelphia isn’t in the same position as San Diego or the Chicago White Sox, both of whom have pursued Machado and Harper. Those teams aren’t expected to win this season, or possibly even in 2020.

The Phillies just traded their top prospect for an All-Star catcher. They entered the final month of the 2018 season very much in the playoff race. Philadelphia’s time to win is now, and they can further cement their spot among the NL’s best teams by taking away Harper from one of their top rivals, whatever the cost.

Perhaps the Phillies will learn a lesson from the White Sox, who believed they had the best offer on the table to Machado. Chicago executive vice president Kenny Williams admitted he was surprised after hearing the news that they had been outbid by the Padres.

There are rumors that Harper is unsure about playing in Philadelphia. The Washington Nationals reportedly offered him a 10-year, $300 million deal at the end of the regular season, and they are still lurking as a bidder for the six-time All-Star.

Machado reportedly preferred not to play on the West Coast, but that didn’t matter much when San Diego gave him $300 million. Any doubts Harper might have could be erased with an offer of more than $325 million guaranteed.