The decision over whether to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado to a $300 million contract was a hotly debated one this off-season. There were ample reasons to choose either player.
Machado plays third base, a position that was of clear need for the Phillies. Based on previous defensive metrics, Machado was one of the very best defensive third basemen in baseball, and was one of the game’s top young sluggers as well. The negatives were that he, at times, displayed a lack of hustle and has been accused of playing dirty, and there were concerns Machado’s style would clash with what Phils fans wanted to see from their franchise player.