Bryce Harper is aware of precisely what sort of affect he has because the face of the Philadelphia Phillies franchise. He is aware of that each followers and possession take heed to him and respect his opinions.
That is why he put strain upon possession and common supervisor Matt Klentak to re-sign J.T. Realmuto in 2020.
“Realmuto must be our catcher subsequent 12 months — plain and easy,” Bryce Harper stated simply minutes after the 2020 season led to an article by Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
It wasn’t the primary time the Phillies, Harper and Realmuto have been performed off each other in a bid to carry the duo collectively.
In the course of the 2018 MLB All-Star recreation, Harper positioned a Washington Nationals cap on Miami Marlin Realmuto. Noting the 2 gamers’ affinity for one another, the Phillies traded for the All-Star catcher simply weeks earlier than making their ultimate free agent provide for Harper.
Phillies teammates Harper and Realmuto chat within the dugout.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports activities
In the course of the winter of 2021-22, Harper expressed his admiration without cost agent sluggers Kris Bryant, Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber.
“There’s three guys on the market that may actually assist us,” Harper stated in an article by Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “It’d positively be a downer [if we didn’t sign one of them].”
After his feedback, the Phillies solely went out and signed two of the three gamers Harper wished. Whether or not or not Harper had any impression in that’s to be decided, however the success of his needs has now change into a reoccurrence.
That is why it was so significant when Harper praised Trea Turner on Thursday evening’s Phillies broadcast.
“Turner is my favourite participant within the league, it is not even shut.”
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This is not the primary time Harper has had type phrases for Turner, “I believe Trea Turner is among the most underrated gamers within the recreation,” Harper instructed USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale in June. “He’s a type of guys that simply goes underneath the radar.”
The 2 have been teammates for 3 and a half season in Washington, from 2015-2018. Harper is aware of how impactful Turner may be, each on the basepaths and on protection, in addition to offensively.
Turner, who will flip 30 in 2023, is a profession .850 OPS hitter and above common defender at shortstop, evidenced by 11 profession defensive runs saved. He is stolen 221 luggage, solely to be caught 41 instances.
Free company will see all kinds of suitors for one of many recreation’s prime shortstops, this Harper is aware of properly.
“He’s among the finest shortstops within the recreation,” Harper continued. “I’m excited to see the place he goes subsequent 12 months.”
He’s additionally properly conscious that the Phillies have simply exceeded the luxurious tax, one other of his low season requests.
“And I believe we’ll go all the best way to $230 [million], as of now. I hope,” Harper instructed Lauber final winter.
Already cresting that threshold, the Phillies haven’t got a lot wiggle room, fortunately, the workforce’s 5 mega-contracts are unfold out over a few years. Regardless of agreeing to the costliest free agent contract of all time at it is signing, $330 million, Harper’s AAV is barely $25.4 million.
With a lot cash coming off the books after 2022 within the type of Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura, Crey Knebel and many others., the Phillies approximate payroll for 2023 is barely about $164 million in response to Spotrac.
Meaning the Phillies are free so as to add one other $69 million in payroll earlier than even exceeding the primary luxurious tax threshold, one thing they’ve now expressed their willingness to do.
Even when Turner requests a $30 million AAV, it is a value John Middleton and the Phillies possession can afford.
Extra From SI’s Inside The Phillies:
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- Andrew Painter is Off to a Historic Start
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- 18-Year-Old Phillies Prospect is Making History
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- How the Phillie Phanatic Came to be America’s Favorite Sports Mascot
- This Unlikely Draft Pick Could be the Final Piece in the Phillies Next Blockbuster Trade
- Picking the Phillies’ All-Time Single Season Lineup
- Drawing Comparisons to Harper, Phillies Prospect Wilson is Heating Up
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