Bryce Harper agrees to record-breaking deal for 2018 with Nationals
The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on a 2018 contract with right fielder Bryce Harper, and it is a record for a single-year arbitration deal.
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Harper, 25, was the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year and the unanimous 2015 NL MVP, and his pending free agency following the 2018 season already has created speculation about a bidding war – and a potential $400 million mega-contract.
The deal announced Saturday covers only the final season that Harper is under the Nationals’ control, but it does provide a glimpse into the multiyear contract he could ultimately land – in Washington or elsewhere. Harper is making $13.625 million this season.
After a down year in 2016, Harper is slashing .372/.496/.717 with nine doubles, 10 homers, 37 runs and 29 RBI this season.