Salisbury: Bryce Harper’s contract remains a hot topic, Phillies protect prospects as winter meetings end

DALLAS – Bryce Harper’s contract.
The subject came up at the winter meetings last year and it did so again this year.
Before the 2019 season, Harper signed a $330 million contract with the Phillies. At the time, it was the largest total value deal in baseball history.

Since then, Harper’s deal has been eclipsed by others, most recently Juan Soto’s $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Harper signed a 13-year contract with the Phillies, the idea being spread out the years and the average annual value so the team would have flexibility to sign other top players. The strategy worked well as in subsequent years the Phils were able to sign Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner …

DALLAS – Phillies manager Rob Thomson took his turn on the dais on Day 2 of the winter meetings Tuesday.
Thomson was asked about a number of ongoing topics. Let’s dig in:
THE LEADOFF SPOT
Oct 5, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) after a solo home run against the New York Mets in the first inning in game one of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Thomson usually points to one stat – wins – when he talks about his reasons for batting Kyle Schwarber leadoff. The Phillies have made the postseason three stra…

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