Signing Bryce Harper altered the course of the franchise
Landing Harper has paid off so far, but the big prize still eludes him and the Phillies.
Six years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies began their climb out of a dark period for the franchise by landing one of the premier superstars of the sport. While the news broke on Feb. 28, they officially signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract with no opt-outs on March 2, 2019, and things started to turn around for a team that had played six consecutive losing seasons.
Harper, the first overall draft pick in 2010 by the division rival Washington Nationals, spent the first seven years of his MLB career tormenting the Phillies. He brought a .279 batting average and .900 OPS, a Rookie of the Year Award, six All-Star appearances and the 2015 NL MVP with him to Philadelphia.
Phillies History: Signing Bryce Harper altered the course of the franchise
In his six seasons in red pinstripes, Harper has accumulated a .285 average and a .924 OPS with 152 home runs and 455 RBI in 726 games. He won the 2021 NL MVP, three Silver Sluggers, and was named to two All-Star teams in 2022 and 2024.
Since Harper arrived in Philly, the team has signed multiple big-name free agents, setting the stage for the team’s success over the past few seasons. From Zack Wheeler to Kyle Schwarber to Trea Turner, the Phillies now boast a stable of decorated veterans at the core of the roster.
