Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper makes Philly World Series contender
Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a two run homer against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Phillies signed superstar slugger Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract on Thursday.
Not only was it necessary to get Harper, but it shifts the Phillies into a new stratosphere.
Philly can certainly compete for the NL East crown, but they are now in the mix for the World Series.
The Phils already had a strong bullpen, ace pitchers in Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta, great hitters in Rhys Hoskins and JT Realmuto, plus proficient role players like Cesar Hernandez and Maikel Franco.
The Phillies needed a big bat to insert in the middle of their lineup every day and Harper’s presence fits the bill.
Obviously, expectations are hovering over this team like a hawk and staying healthy will remain a point of emphasis.
But, the Phils could always acquire more talent before opening day.
The Phillies a deep farm system and they could package a few of their outfielders in a trade for a valuable rotation or pen piece.
If you look at the MLB landscape the World Series contenders like the Yankees, Red Sox, Astros, Cubs, and Dodgers all have some questions with regards to pitching.
Sure no team comes across as flawless, but Bryce Harper elevates the Phillies and eases the pressure Franco, Realmuto, and Scott Kingery may have once had.
Harper’s presence gives the Phils younger players someone to aspire to be more like and in the playoffs opposing pitchers will have to pick their poison and choose whether to walk Harper, Realmuto or Hoskins if need be.
Harper needed a new uniform and a new team to play on.
The fact he chose a Philly contract that was only $30 million more than what the Nats were offering for him to stay in D.C., will make the Phils-Nats rivalry more interesting to watch.
The Fall Classic is right there for the taking and if Harper dawns the red pinstripes like an All-Star then more good times are coming to Philly — a sports town that has been waiting years for a championship contender in baseball.
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Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
