Los Angeles Dodgers: Why you shouldn’t get excited about Bryce Harper
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Dodgers have seemingly re-entered the Bryce Harper sweepstakes in the bottom of the ninth and could land the superstar.
Earlier in the offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers were heavily tied to superstar Bryce Harper. Discussions between the two sides were reportedly “within the 20-yard line” and it seemed as if the Dodgers were the perfect team for the former National League MVP.
The Dodgers appeared to be the perfect blend of a contending team that would give Harper a chance to win a World Series that could also afford his potentially massive contract. This seemed to especially be the case after the Dodgers freed up money in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds.
Those talks soon dissolved as it became evident that Bryce Harper and agent Scott Boras wanted a contract well over $300 million for over 10 years. While the Dodgers likely would have given Harper the annual salary he wanted, a contract that long was not optimal.
The Dodgers then went dark in the Bryce Harper sweepstakes, until recently. Dave Roberts and Andrew Friedman led a Dodgers contingent on Sunday that met with Bryce Harper, throwing a wrench into everything.
Harper’s market is obviously not as large as he had expected and if the Philadelphia Phillies or San Diego Padres are not willing to pay him the contract he wants he very well may take up a five-six year deal with the Dodgers.
That won’t happen. While it is fun to dream about Harper in Dodger blue, you ultimately should not get your hopes up. Here is why.