MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper-Phillies $330M Deal Agreed, Press Conference Scheduled

The Philadelphia Phillies seem to be the overwhelming favorites to land Bryce Harper after principal owner John Middleton’s second visit to Las Vegas to meet the outfielder and his agent in six weeks. And Bleacher Report’s Adam Lefkoe reports that a deal has been agreed with a press conference scheduled for this week.

Middleton’s first visit to Vegas was in January when he was accompanied by general manager Matt Klentak, manager Gabe Kapler and other members of the front office, but he was alone in his most recent trip. He landed Friday and according to Philly.com, was expected to leave Saturday morning, but ended up extended his stay until the evening as negotiations rumbled on.

Despite the Phillies chief returning without a signature on the dotted line, the franchise is said to be quietly confident that they will end the offseason with the six-time All-Star as part of their roster for the upcoming campaign. The meeting, meanwhile, was said to be scheduled for both parties to further get to know each other rather than sign a deal.

Phillies maybe considered favorites but the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants are still said to be monitoring the situation. Still they are unlikely to be able to offer the terms demanded by the player and his agent. Harper is said to be looking for a deal north of $325 million – the current record held by Giancarlo Stanton when he signed a 13-year deal with the Miami Marlins in 2014 – over 10 years.

It was reported recently that Harper does not fancy a move to Philadelphia, but those reports have been labeled untrue, with the player said to be open to joining a team that has strengthened well in the winter. Despite their focus on Harper and Manny Machado, who signed with the Padres in a 10-year, $300 million deal, the Phillies have gone about their business adding the likes of Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen, and All-Star catcher JT Realmuto, among others.

Bleacher Report’s Lefkoe is now claiming that a deal has been agreed between Harper and Phillies, with a press conference scheduled for Wednesday. He claims that the deal will be worth around $330 million, which will be an MLB record but the exact length of the contract still remains unclear, with it expected to be either for eight or 10 years.

McCutchen, the Phillies left fielder, admitted that it will be amazing for the team if they can add Harper to the already strong roster. The addition of the 2015 MVP is certain to make the Philadelphia franchise one of the favorites for the NL East title.

“It changes the team,” McCutchen said, as quoted on MLB.com. “It changes a lot for whatever team that he’s on. We feel like we have a really good team here. The Phillies have done a good job of getting some guys over here, getting [Jean] Segura, getting [J.T.] Realmuto, getting [David] Robertson. It’s a great team here and he’s only going to make it better. It would be amazing.”