DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 30: Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs to his position during the final regular season game of the 2018 season against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Harper's journey from Nationals superstar to baseball's richest player

7 years ago
The Washington Post / Getty

Bryce Harper is the richest player in baseball following his reported 13-year, $330-million agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Harper's journey to the City of Brotherly Love has been a wild ride, to say the least.

Let's look back at the outfielder's final season in Washington, his trip through free agency, and the lead-up to his record-setting contract.

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Nov. 15, 2017: Nationals GM Mike Rizzo expects to discuss a long-term extension with Harper.

Nov. 30, 2017: Rizzo believes the Nationals have a good chance of signing Harper long term.

Dec. 15, 2017: After meeting with Harper and his agent Scott Boras, the Nationals reportedly expect him to test free agency.

May 1, 2018: Harper's bumped from the No. 3 spot in the lineup following a 5-for-35 slump.

June 12, 2018: Nationals GM calls anonymous report ripping Harper "chickenshit" as the superstar continues to struggle in the first half.

G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty

July 15, 2018: Harper crawls into the All-Star break with a .214 average and 102 strikeouts.

July 16, 2018: Harper wins the All-Star Game Home Run Derby after a miraculous late flurry.

July 17, 2018: Despite a subpar first half, Harper appears in the sixth All-Star Game of his career - his last representing Washington.

July 30, 2018: Nationals reportedly make it known Harper is available. Washington has reported discussions with the Indians and interest from the Dodgers.

July 31, 2018: Rizzo says Harper won't be traded before the deadline.

Aug. 21, 2018: Harper is reportedly claimed on revocable waivers by a mystery team, but isn't traded.

Sept. 14, 2018: Nationals GM says they're in constant talks with Harper about an extension and they "want him here."

Sept. 19, 2018: The Chicago Cubs are named the betting favorites to land Harper in free agency.

Greg Fiume / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Sept. 25, 2018: Harper says he wants to stay with the Nationals but is unsure if he's in their future plans.

Sept. 26, 2018: Harper receives a standing ovation during his final home game with the Nationals.

Sept. 27, 2018: Harper thanks Nationals fans with cryptic Instagram posts.

Sept. 30, 2018: Nationals play their last regular-season game and miss the playoffs. Harper recovers from his poor start to finish with 34 home runs, 100 RBIs, and .889 OPS.

Oct. 29, 2018: Yankees are reportedly not expected to pursue Harper in free agency.

Nov. 7, 2018: Harper reportedly turns down a 10-year, $300-million offer from the Nationals.

Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Nov. 16, 2018: Phillies owner John Middleton says his organization expects to spend "stupid" money in free agency; Harper and fellow free agent Manny Machado are targets.

Nov. 20, 2018: The Yankees change course and will reportedly consider Harper at first base.

Dec. 2, 2018: Rapper Nelly offers to negotiate with Harper for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Dec. 4, 2018: A dozen teams have reportedly met with or plan to meet with Harper in Las Vegas. The Nationals reportedly haven't ruled out re-signing him.

Dec. 7, 2018: Nationals owner Mark Lerner says he doesn't expect Harper to return to Washington.

The Washington Post / The Washington Post / Getty

Dec. 9, 2018: Boras compares his client to LeBron James in 118-page handbook.

Dec. 10, 2018: The Phillies are reportedly expected to meet with Harper and his agent in the coming weeks.

Dec. 23, 2018: The Cubs reportedly ask Harper and Boras to wait for them to clear payroll before he makes his decision.

Dec. 24, 2018: Harper likes an Instagram post linking him to the Dodgers.

Dec. 27, 2018: A report says both Harper and Machado would prefer to play for the Yankees.

Dec. 31, 2018: Harper spends New Year's Eve with Kris Bryant, fueling speculation he'll sign with the Cubs.

Jan. 4, 2019: The Nationals re-enter the Harper sweepstakes, reportedly make him an offer exceeding $300 million.

The Washington Post / The Washington Post / Getty

Jan. 7, 2019: Phillies reportedly schedule a face-to-face meeting with Harper in Las Vegas.

Jan. 10, 2019: Harper is reportedly seeking a deal north of Giancarlo Stanton's $325-million contract.

Jan. 13, 2019: After meeting with Harper in Las Vegas, the Phillies reportedly become the clear-cut favorite to land him.

Jan. 15, 2019: The Phillies reportedly won't sign both Machado and Harper. Joe Maddon says Harper to the Cubs "is not going to happen."

Jan. 21, 2019: A report says the Phillies are eyeing an outfield of Harper and Mike Trout in 2021.

MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images / Digital First Media / Getty

Jan. 21, 2019: Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo predicts Harper will sign with the Texas Rangers.

Jan. 22, 2019: Rhys Hoskins predicts the Phillies will sign one of Harper or Machado.

Jan. 23, 2019: The San Diego Padres reportedly check in on Harper, Machado, Mike Moustakas, and Marwin Gonzalez.

Jan. 31, 2019: A conglomerate of Padres representatives meet with Harper in Las Vegas.

Feb. 2, 2019: San Diego may reportedly prefer Harper over Machado after meeting with him.

Feb. 4, 2019: At least eight teams have reportedly checked in on Harper, some wanting short-term deals.

Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Feb. 6, 2019: The San Francisco Giants are reportedly making a late play for Harper. GM Farhan Zaidi confirms "mutual interest" two days later. The Giants are apparently only interested in a short-term deal.

Feb. 12, 2019: Harper reportedly won't consider a short-term deal.

Feb. 17, 2019: The Padres reportedly make "serious" offers to Harper and Machado. San Diego agrees to a record 10-year, $300-million deal with Machado two days later.

Feb. 20, 2019: A report says Harper has turned down multiple offers worth more than $300 million.

Feb. 22, 2019: Nationals owner Mark Lerner says the team hasn't been in touch with Harper or his agent in months. The Phillies meet with Harper in Vegas and are confident in signing him to a long-term deal.

Feb. 25, 2019: The Dodgers reportedly re-enter the mix for Harper, but only appear interested in a short-term deal.

Feb. 26, 2019: Multiple teams have reportedly offered Harper over $300 million.

Feb. 27, 2019: The Giants reportedly meet with Harper for a second time and discuss a 10-year deal with him.

Feb. 28, 2019: The Dodgers have reportedly discussed a short-term deal with Harper that would make him the richest player by annual average salary.

Feb. 28, 2019: Harper reportedly agrees to a 13-year, $330-million deal with the Phillies.

XRedditFacebookWhatsAppEmailSMS
MORE STORIES