Harper on possible $400M deal: 'Don't sell me short'
Bryce Harper is just 23 years old, already owns a National League MVP award and has a promising future ahead of him, but how much is the superstar really worth?
The Washington Nationals outfielder recently touched on potentially becoming the richest ball player in major-league history in a radio interview.
Chris Lingebach of CBS DC published an excerpt from Harper's appearance on 106.7 the Fan’s "Grant and Danny Show," which aired Friday.
"I was talking to an executive this offseason," host Grant Paulsen said. "At one point in time they said you could be the first $400-million player. Do you ever think about your future and what’s possible, in terms of you could break records for the money you make at one point in time?"
"Yeah, I mean I don’t really think about that stuff. I just try to play the years out and do everything I can to help my team win," Harper responded. "But don’t sell me short. That’s what you’re doing right now to me, so don’t do that.
"I’m looking forward to just playing this year, just looking forward to playing the next couple years," the slugger added. "And I think all that stuff will play out."
If Harper earned that kind of salary, he would trump Giancarlo Stanton's $325-million contract, which stands as the highest in baseball.
Harper had a monstrous campaign last season, hitting .330/.460/.649 with 42 home runs, 99 RBIs, and 118 runs scored en route to becoming the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.