Bryce Harper signs with Phillies for 13 years, $330 million

Bryce Harper and the Phillies have agreed to terms on a historic 13-year, $330 million contract, ending the star outfielder’s extended time on the free agent market, according to ESPN. The deal, first reported by MLB Network, breaks the previous total for largest contract in baseball history, which was held by Giancarlo Stanton at $325 million.

There are no opt-outs in the deal, so it’s guaranteed Harper will be signed in Philadelphia through 2031. It also doesn’t include any deferrals, which had reportedly been part of the Nationals’ offer to him last year.

Harper’s signing will conclude the second part of a lengthy saga in which baseball’s top two free agents spent months waiting for offers to their liking. Manny Machado, the other big name available over the winter, agreed to a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres on Feb. 20.

The Phillies had consistently been labeled as a contender to sign Harper and/or Machado throughout the offseason. By poaching Harper away from D.C., the Phillies have not only added a potential MVP candidate to their lineup, but taken one away from one of the teams that can stand in their way.

The Dodgers and Giants were listed as Harper’s other primary suitors down the stretch this month.