Bryce Harper proves that when you score big on the field, you score big when your contract comes up. The 2012 NL Rookie of the Year and 2015 NL MVP and the Washington Nationals have come to terms on a one-year deal for 2018. The deal will make him the highest paid arbitration eligible player in MLB history. He very well could become Big Money Bryce for the rest of his career following this deal.
We’ve agreed to terms with Bryce for 2018. https://t.co/jiwV5dmPYn pic.twitter.com/mhyJ216l6Q
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 13, 2017
Bryce Harper and Washington Nationals Agree to $21.65 Million Deal for 2018
Harper’s current deal earns him $13.65 million this season, up from $5 million in 2016. Washington opened their checkbook, and came to pay. While it is not as big of a percentage as from 2015 to 2016, Harper will receive $21.65 million next season in base money. The contract further offers a bonus of $1 million if he wins the MVP next season.
Harper deal is largest 1-yr deal fir arb eligible player in history. On top of the $21.65M he gets $1M if he’s MVP.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 13, 2017
Stats
Harper’s stats this season show he was playing for a contract. He has put a slash of .372/.496/.717 thus far into the campaign. Nine doubles, 10 home runes, and 29 RBI has led the Nats into a six-game lead in the NL East this season. This follows a 2016 that was down by Harper’s standards. His slash for 2016 was only .243/.373/.441, but he came to play this year.
Lead of the Youth Movement
Harper is just one of many of the young faces that are leading baseball today. The 24-year old right fielder is the face of the youth movement. He is one of the first to reach time in service for arbitration. This contract extension for Harper bodes well for young players like Kris Bryant whose arbitration are coming.
The youth movement is going to expect to be paid for their services. Guys like Harper who negotiated hard for a big one-year deal will lead the way for the future.
