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Nationals agree to contract with Bryce Harper for 2018 season

Posted at 11:40 PM, May 13, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-13 23:40:43-04

Bryce Harper runs to second base. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with right fielder Bryce Harper for the 2018 season. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

The unanimous 2015 National League Most Valuable Player, Harper opens play on Saturday leading Major League hitters this season in on-base percentage (.496), runs (37), and intentional walks (6), while ranking among Major League leaders in walks (T3rd, 28), on-base plus slugging percentage (2nd, 1.213), batting average (2nd, .372), slugging percentage (4th, .717), RBI (T7th, 29), multi-hit games (T1tth, 13) and home runs (T10th, 10).

Harper, 24, is one of just 11 players in Major League history to hit at least 121 home runs and accumulate 387 walks through his first five Major League seasons. He is also one of five active players to hit at least 121 home runs prior to his age 24 season.

A four-time All-Star, including three as an NL starter in the outfield, a Silver Slugger, and the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year, Harper remains under contract through the 2018 season. The agreement today solidifies his salary for that season.

Saturday night, in his first game since the deal was announced, Harper hit a game-winning two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Phillies.