How Bryce Harper can earn an extra $10.4 million in Phillies deal
The baseball world is still buzzing after Bryce Harper agreed to a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.
Harper's new deal, which became official Friday night and will run uninterrupted through the 2031 season, is now the largest contract in the history of Major League Baseball.
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Agent Scott Boras clearly got the bidding war and final result he was hoping for all along. And now that all of the contract details have been revealed, we’ve learned there’s room for this already massive contract to grow even more from a financial standpoint.
According to the Associated Press, Harper can earn up to $800,000 in bonuses each season based on accomplishments ranging from making the All-Star team to winning the World Series MVP. In theory, Harper could add an extra $10.4 million to his earnings.
What Bryce Harper’s base deal looks like
As ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Thursday, Harper will be paid a base salary of $10 million in 2019, $26 million annually from 2020-28 and $22 million annually from 2029-31. Harper’s deal also includes a $20 million signing bonus.
Contract breakdown for Bryce Harper's deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, sources tell ESPN:
2019: $10M (plus $20M signing bonus)
2020: $26M
2021: $26M
2022: $26M
2023: $26M
2024: $26M
2025: $26M
2026: $26M
2027: $26M
2028: $26M
2029: $22M
2030: $22M
2031: $22M— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 1, 2019
The deal does not include an easy escape for either side. Harper will have full no-trade protection, but will not have the ability to opt-out at any point.
It’s a long-term commitment in the most sincere form possible, at least as it pertains to sports and particularly baseball.
Breaking down Bryce Harper’s incentives
There’s nothing too complicated here. Harper can earn bonuses by reaching the following six accolades each season.
All-Star: $50,000
Gold Glove: $50,000
Silver Slugger: $50,000
MVP: $500,000
NLCS MVP: $50,000
World Series MVP: $100,000
Obviously, Harper’s not going to earn the full $10.4 million, or anything close to it.
Winning the NL, NLCS or World Series MVP every year is not realistic. The Gold Glove award doesn’t seem to be in his future, either. He’s never won it before. But Harper could easily rack up a dozen All-Star appearances and 10 Silver Slugger awards. Add four or five MVPs of any variety to that mix and he’ll be doing very well on the bonus front.
Of course, Phillies fans will largely judge the value and success of Harper’s contract on how many World Series titles he helps bring to Philadelphia. Every year a zero remains in that particular column, the pressure in South Philly will start growing at a faster place than Harper’s bank account.
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