When the Padres signed Manny Machado to a 10-year, $300 million deal nearly four years ago, the Phillies were connected heavily to both him and Bryce Harper. Harper ended up signing a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, with no opt-outs, while Machado’s contract included an opt-out after Year 5.
Now, Machado has announced his intention to opt out of his contract after the 2023 season, a move that is a reminder of the value of Harper’s contract for the Phillies. Harper’s deal is locked in and the Phillies don’t have to worry about renegotiating or losing him to a spend-happy team. His annual average salary of $25.384 million is 40th all-time and 27th among active players, making it quite affordable for the Phillies.
Harper’s contract has allowed the Phillies to sign numerous large contracts since, including Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, and Taijuan Walker. In four seasons with the Phillies, Harper has hit .282/.394/.546 with 101 home runs and his OPS as a Phillie is 40 points higher than it was as a National. He also delivered during the Phillies’ playoff run with dramatic home runs and production in every round.
Harper’s contract has been a great fit for the Phillies and a reminder of the value of his contract when Machado’s opt-out news broke. The Phillies can be confident that Harper will continue to produce for them for the next decade, regardless of what Machado does.
