Phillies’ challenge in ‘next step’: Don’t waste prime years of their star core

PHILADELPHIA — Here’s what the Phillies owe Bryce Harper: $248 million. That’s it. The Phillies can plug a major league roster that has more holes than a pool table, regrow an arid farm system, and morph back into a championship-caliber organization. Or not. As long as they keep depositing checks into Harper’s bank account through 2031, they will have fulfilled their obligation to the re-crowned National League MVP. Raise your hand if that feels like enough. Didn’t think so. Owner John Middleton must want more, or else why would he authorize paying out roughly $600 million in player salaries o…

もっと読む