Lucky 13

So rumors swirling around 4PM EST that Bryce Harper has signed a 13 year, $330MM deal with the Philadelphia Phillies! That eclipses G. Stanton's deal from a few years ago by $5MM. Word is no opt-outs (which I found odd) and a no trade clause (which I did not).

Color me surprised. Some were reporting that Bryce's wife and family wanted him to sign with either the Giants or Dodgers so he'd be closer to Sin City, his home. And Philly would probably rank lower than LA in improving his Q-Rating. But for a fan base that is pretty starved for a winning team, he'll be fine. Until he does something to turn those rabid dogs against him. Personally, I may make the trip down to Philly a couple times a year to catch a game (less than a 2hr drive). And he'll be in NL East so all the Mets fans can continue to spew their vitriol at #34.

So what's this mean when (and if) Mike Trout gets to free agency after 2020? Well...MikeT grew up a big Philly fan and would be able to live in the area he grew up. All indications were the Phillies would go all-in on #27 when the time came. But word is the Angels will also be making a "can't refuse" kind of extension offer soon to lock up the best baseball player to ever wear the halo.