When the news dropped that the Phillies signed Bryce Harper, they became the main talking point in Philadelphia. Even with the surging Sixers and Flyers and the ever-present Eagles, Harper was able to bring the most conversation back to the Phillies for the first time in years. His 13-year, $330 million contract certainly raised some eyebrows, but one thing was clear: baseball will take the town over again, just like it did around the turn of the decade.
In his final year with the Nationals, Harper started off slow, hitting just .214 with 102 strikeouts in 94 games.