Bryce Harper is set to enter his second season with the Philadelphia Phillies whenever Major League Baseball is able to start its season. But the Phillies’ outfielder looked back on the conclusion of his tenure with the Washington Nationals.
Harper inked a 13-year, $330 million with the Phillies during the Winter of 2019. However, the Nationals made an offer that effectively put them out of the race.
Appearing on Bartool Sports’ Starting 9 podcast, Bryce Harper said he was “hurt” by the Nationals’ offer.
“I thought we had a really good meeting. I walked out of there and said, ‘Scott [Boras], get it done.’ I got back an offer and it hurt. It just hurt. So we kind of just turned the page on to the new year.”
Bryce Harper on “Starting 9” (h/t Steve Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports)
Initially, the Nationals made a $300 million, 10-year offer with $100 million being deferred. After Harper’s meeting with Washington’s principal owner Mark Lerner, the Nationals made a second and final off of less money and two additional years at $250 million for 12 years with portions of the payments deferred to 2072. Such an offer drew concerns from MLB. His deal with the Phillies do not contain any deferrals.
That was the breaking point for Harper, who turned his attention to other suitors.
He revealed the Houston Astros offered a one-year deal with “stupid” money. Coincidentally, last season the Nationals went on to win their first ever World Series title, beating the Astros in seven games. That could have been a more intriguing World Series with Harper in a Houston uniform.
The Chicago White Sox were also a contender based off their up-and-coming roster, according to Harper.
