Please Stop Crying About What Harper and Turner Will be Paid in 2030
The Phillies recently signed Trea Turner. Who if you didn’t know, is pretty damn good at Baseball. That is on top of a lineup that already includes Bryce Harper, JT Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, Rhys Hoskins, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh, and Nick Castellanos (who will hopefully bounce back). And they got Turner to agree to a relatively low AAV. There is absolutely no reason to be complaining about the move. But of course, some people take that as a challenge. Because a few fans and media members in this city have found something to complain about. They are worried about what Harper and Turner will be getting paid near the end of their deals.
Really? That is what we are upset about? I love this city. And on the whole, Philly fans are the best fans in sports. But some of you seriously need to chill out. You see your team add arguably the best Shortstop in the game, and your first thought is what will happen in 2030. There is something wrong with you. But you need to stop making us deal with whatever issues you have.
We don’t even know if $27 million per year will be a substantial contract 7 years from now. You could argue it isn’t that substantial now. Trea Turner currently has the 17th-highest AAV in the MLB. And once Aaron Judge, Carlos Rodon, Carlos Correa, and other big-name free agents sign, he may be outside the top 20. Bryce Harper is already down to 22. They are not getting paid as much as you think they are getting paid. By 2030 there will be 7 more free agent classes with players getting more and more money than these guys did. For all we know, that will be the going rate for a league-average player by then.
But even if in 2030 those two contracts are still considered large. Why do you care right now? That is so long from now. The Phillies just narrowly missed a World Series. They are a very good team. Adding someone like Turner could get them over that hump. And they still have room to add pitching help even after signing Trea Turner. This team has a chance to be very competitive for the next several years. So why is your mind 7 years into the future?
Philly sports, Flyers excluded, are in a very good spot right now. The Eagles are 11-1 and Jalen Hurts is the MVP of the league. The Phillies are the reigning NL Champions and just got much better. Tyrese Maxey, while currently hurt, is blossoming into a star in front of our eyes. Can you all join us in the present? Because the present is pretty great. Please stop crying about some date way in the future. For both your and our mental health. Have some fun. Enjoy the moment. There is so much to be happy about with Philly sports right now. Please stop raining on the rest of our parade.
