MLB Rumors: Bryce Harper, Phillies Finalizing Record-Setting Contract

Bryce Harper is heading to the City of Brotherly Love.

The free-agent outfielder is finalizing a record-setting contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Thursday via Twitter, citing MLB sources. The Phillies have been among Harper’s most aggressive suitors all winter, and have been believed to be the favorites to sign him for months.

The Phillies reportedly will sign Harper to a the largest contract in North American sports history.

Harper had been in late negotiations with Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. His free-agency saga has dragged on for nearly four months after he hit the open market following seven years with the Washington Nationals.

His $330 million deal will surpass the 13 year, $325 million contract Giancarlo Stanton signed with the Miami Marlins in 2015. However, his $25.3 million average annual salary falls short of Zack Greinke’s record $34.4 million-per-year contract.

Nevertheless, MLB fans can breathe a little easier now that the marquee player in this offseason’s free agent class finally has found a new home.