Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is on the verge of redefining what it means to break the bank.
Baseball has always had a funny way of paying its talent. All the way back to the days of Babe Ruth, when he made news when his contract paid him more then the president. In 2000, Alex Rodriguez received $252 million from the Texas Rangers. The Miami Marlins upped the ante, giving $325 million to Giancarlo Stanton prior to the 2015 season. Next up? Bryce Harper.
Jon Heyman wrote on Fanrag Sports that some industry insiders believe Harper will be coming close to $400 million. Perhaps Harper needs to aim higher.
"One rival GM pegged Bryce Harper’s value on a long-term deal at “closer to $500 million than $400 million,” a seemingly stark admission for a management person, even if it isn’t a Nationals person."
The same general manager indicated that the aforementioned Stanton contract should be the baseline of what a Harper contract will look like. Stanton’s $325 million is over 13 years.
If this is the case, what teams can possibly afford to sign Harper to a contract after the 2018 season? Heyman indicates the Dodgers, Phillies and Yankees are thought to be the front runner to sign Harper.
The Yankees drop the Rodriguez ($21 million) and CC Sabathia ($25 million) contracts after this season and will likely be out of from under outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury after the 2020 season. Combined with the youngsters of the loaded Yankees farm system, lead by outfielder Aaron Judge and catcher Gary Sanchez, the Yankees appear as if they will have the money to make a move.
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The Dodgers, much like the Yankees, will have Adrian Gonzalez ($22.357 million) coming off their payroll and have shown a willingness to pay the price to land major talent. The Dodgers are likely the best option if he chooses to play nearer to his home, in Las Vegas.
Heyman makes a point however to not count out the Nationals being able to keep Harper in Washington. The Nationals gave starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg a big contract last season,and certainly feel in the chase.