This is what Bryce thinks about Trout's deal

March 21st, 2019

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- is thrilled for his buddy , even if it ends the dream of the pair roaming the same outfield for the Phillies.

Trout agreed Tuesday to a record-smashing 12-year, $430 million contract extension, which became official Wednesday night. Harper texted Trout his congratulations after the news broke.

“I’m very excited for him,” Harper said Wednesday morning at Spectrum Field. “He made the best decision for him and his family. The Angels made a great decision, making him the face of their franchise for a long period of time.

“I didn’t know the contract was coming. If you’re a team and can lock up a franchise guy like that, of course you want to be able to do that. When I talked to him this offseason it was like, man, I want to get as much as I can so that you can blow me out of the water pretty much. And he did. I’m excited for him. I’m excited for Mookie (Betts) to see what he gets when he goes about it. (Aaron) Judge as well.”

Harper held the record of largest contract in North American professional sports history for a little less than three weeks.

He does not seem to mind.

“I got the contract I wanted,” he said. “I got the length that I wanted. All the money and things like that, I’ve got more money than I’ll know what to do with. Once I knew Trout was going to sign, it’s inevitable. He was going to be the highest-paid player in the game in all of sports.”

Harper went 1-for-2 with a walk and one run scored in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Tigers. It was his first hit of the spring.