Grapefruit Game 6 - PHILS GET HARPER!

2019 Topps Heritage #415

Phillies 5, Orioles 5
Spring Training Game 6 - Thursday Afternoon, February 28th in Clearwater

Phillies 11, Blue Jays 5
Spring Training Game 7 - Thursday Afternoon, February 28th in Dunedin
Record - 4-2-1

One Sentence Summary:  While word of the massive Bryce Harper signing was spreading through the ballpark and across the internet, the Phillies and Orioles were playing to a 5-5 tie in Clearwater.

What It Means:  Holy crap, the Phillies signed Bryce Harper.

What Happened:  In Clearwater, in a game in which mostly non-roster invitees played, the offense collected 11 hits including two a piece from Darick Hall, Lane Adams, Phil Gosselin and Andrew Romine.  Adonis Medina got the start and allowed two runs in his 1 2/3 innings of work.

In Dunedin, Dylan Cozens and Rob Brantly each drove in three runs, with Cozens hitting a three-run home run in the second.

Featured Card:  As the game in Clearwater progressed, word began to spread that the Phillies had finally landed free agent outfielder Harper.  The terms of the deal (which is still unofficial) are 13 years, $330 million with no opt-out clause and a no-trade clause.  Harper could be playing with the Phillies through the 2031 season, when he'll be 39 years old.  That's a lot of Chachi cards!

It will become the biggest contract in the history of the game, topping the recent deal signed by Manny Machado and the 2014 contract between Giancarlo Stanton and the Marlins.  Harper's arrival could mean the end of the line for one of Roman Quinn, Aaron Altherr or Nick Williams.

Kevin Negandhi Tweeted that the Phillies are the first team in history to add three position players in an offseason, all of whom were All-Stars in the previous season, with the three players being Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Jean Segura.

Camp Head Count:  61.  This number will go up to 62 when Harper officially signs.

GO PHILS!