Since the end of the 2018 Baseball Season fans of the game have been wondering where Manny Machico and Bryce Harper would be playing and for how much. With Bryce Harper signing with the Philadelphia Phillies we now know. Machado signed with the San Diego Padres on February 20th.
Both signed for Huge contracts. Two of the largest in baseball. They join Giancarlo Stanton with long-termed contracts. Machado at 300 Million for 10 years and Harper 330 Million for 13 years. Stanton signed a 13 year deal for 325 Million in 2014 while a member of the Miami Marlins. He was traded to the Yankees after the 2017 season and 9 years remain on that contract. Staton does have an opt-out after the 2020 season.
So who won this years Free-Agent Baseball War?
I suppose time will tell, but from my looking at it today, I would say the winner was Harper. While Machado per year salary will be greater, Harper’s contract ends when he is 39. Machado will be 35 when his end. It’s doubtful that at nearly 36 Machado will be able to get a 3 year 30 million dollar contract.
Machado’s contact does have a opt-out clause after 2023. Which he could opt-out and sign another 10 year contract that is even larger than this one. It’s easy to say that with contracts like these both are big winners.
Are they worth this much money?
Looking back on their accomplishments for the past several years, one would think they could be. Personally I find it hard to imagine being paid that much money, but there are plenty of people making more per year. But looking at some of the long term contracts that have been signed in the last 10-15 years one would say that the teams are making a big gamble. There are many factors that can happen over the next 10-13 years that could keep Machado and Harper, and Stanton too, that could have them being paid and not play.