The Bryce Harper Contract 2021: A Mega-Extension on the Horizon?

As the dust settles on Bryce Harper's 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, fans are already turning their attention to another superstar player who may soon be hitting the free agent market. Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels' franchise player, is scheduled to reach free agency at the end of the 2020 season.

Harper himself has acknowledged that he consulted with Trout during his own free-agent process, leading some to speculate whether the two superstars might team up in Philadelphia in the near future. The Phillies have the financial flexibility to pursue both Harper and Trout, and their ability to sign them could depend on a number of factors.

One thing is certain: Harper's relatively low average annual value (AAV) will give the Phillies greater room under the luxury-tax threshold and enable them to pursue other expensive players in the future. As Ken Rosenthal noted in his newsletter, 'So, $330 million was the magic number.' This deal leaves plenty of wiggle room for the Phillies to bid on Trout if he becomes a free agent after the 2020 season.

Tom Verducci of SI.com agrees, writing that Harper's AAV still leaves room for the Phillies to pursue Trout. In other words, an outfield featuring both Harper and Trout is not only possible but realistic.

The deal also gives the Phillies flexibility to spend more in coming offseasons without exceeding the luxury-tax threshold. They can continue to sell tickets and sponsorships around Harper, who will undoubtedly be a draw at Citizens Bank Park.

For now, however, Trout remains under contract with the Angels for two more seasons. But with Harper's deal setting a precedent, it's clear that the Phillies are well-positioned to make a serious run at signing both superstars in the near future.

As Jeff Passan noted, 'The deal is mutually beneficial.' Whether or not Trout decides to join Harper in Philadelphia remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Phillies have made themselves major players in the free agent market. With their newfound financial flexibility and a roster that already includes Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto, they are poised for a bright future.

In two years' time, Trout will hit free agency and could potentially join Harper on the Phillies. But even if that doesn't happen, Harper's deal sets a high bar for other teams looking to sign top talent in the future. For now, Philadelphia fans can revel in their team's newfound financial flexibility and the possibility of watching two of baseball's biggest stars take the field together.

Bryce harper contract 2021