Well, it’s official: Bryce Harper is leaving Washington for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The longtime Nationals outfielder signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Nationals’ rival on Thursday, ending months of speculation about where he would end up. His new contract is the largest in the history of major American sports. It also surpasses Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325-million deal with the Miami Marlins as the largest in Major League Baseball history.
The six-time All-Star has been with the Nationals since he was 17, when he was drafted right out of high school. He was called up to the majors in 2012, and became known for his monster home runs, offbeat quotes and signature style.
Here’s how fans and haters alike are reacting to Harper’s defection—er, new deal with the Phillies.
Bryce Harper before and after 13 years in Philly pic.twitter.com/HlDqYfh1AP
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 28, 2019
Bryce Harper is going to be 39 years old, getting paid $25 million, in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/sXB3lyTQ9x
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) February 28, 2019
Signing in Philly will cement Bryce Harper’s status as the most hated athlete in sports in 2019.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 28, 2019
Me heading to Nats Park on April 2 to watch Bryce Harper play for the Phillies pic.twitter.com/c8tQmdu86c
— Greg Otto (@gregotto) February 28, 2019
Hot take No. 2: The real losers today, like most days, are the Mets.
— Jim Tankersley (@jimtankersley) February 28, 2019
There are children in Philadelphia who aren’t even born yet who will throw batteries at Bryce Harper before the end of this contract https://t.co/oOFv0GZq2S
— Jason Schwartz (@JasonSchwartz) February 28, 2019
The Nationals will square off against their formal slugger for the first time on April 2 at Nationals Park.
Mikaela Lefrak