The Phillies hit a home run by adding Harper to the middle of their lineup for the next 13 years. He ranks fifth in Major League Baseball with 184 homers and 30.7 FanGraphs wins above replacement over the past seven seasons. Harper has been one of the best players in since his debut in 2012. It's rare to find a transcendent talent still in their prime on the open market. He's appeared in at least 147 games three times in the past four seasons. The only major concern for Harper has been injuries, but even that has been alleviated. Despite Harper's age and skill set, it took until after spring training began before he found a deal in line with what he was looking for. He was in a unique position to break the bank because of his age and high level of performance throughout his career that will likely continue over the course of a long-term deal.
#Harper phillies series#
Once the World Series ended, the race to sign Harper in free agency began. 6 that Harper rejected a "mega" contract offer on the final day of the regular season. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Nov. The Nationals tried to keep Harper from even hitting free agency. Washington again decided to keep him and ride out the final month. 31 deadline, with the Los Angeles Dodgers being awarded the claim on the six-time All-Star.
There was speculation he would be traded prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but general manager Mike Rizzo squashed those rumors.īryce is not going anywhere," Rizzo told Chelsea Janes of The Washington Post. "I believe in this team." The Nationals placed Harper on waivers to potentially move him prior to the Aug. The Washington Nationals were unable to take advantage of Harper's second-half surge. 214/.365/.468 slash line in the first half.Īfter winning the Home Run Derby at Nationals Park, Harper was back to his usual self following the All-Star break. He struggled out of the gate, at least by his lofty standards, with a. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times.Īll eyes have been on Harper's free agency dating back to the start of the 2018 season. Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said he heard the deal got done through fans who were sitting behind the Phillies dugout providing "minute-to-minute" updates, per Eduardo A.
0 kommentar(er)
