On the field, Washington Nationals slugger Bryce Harper has performed like one of the best, if not the best, players in the majors. But due to MLB rules, he's unlikely to be compensated as such until he hits free agency following the 2018 season.
That's not the case off the field. Harper reportedly made history Tuesday, signing the largest endorsement deal ever by a baseball player, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell. That deal is with Under Armour. The company has reportedly locked up Harper for the next 10 years.
While Under Armour announced the deal Tuesday, the company did not release the terms or the length of the extension. Harper has been with the company since 2011.
As part of the new deal, Harper gets his own shoe deal. Under Armour will begin selling the Under Armour Harper One, a baseball cleat, in July, according to Rovell.
If a company is going to go all-in on one baseball player, it's tough to argue against Harper. While he still draws hot takes from plenty of fans, his on-field performance and accomplishments speak loudly. He reached the majors as a 19-year-old, put up solid numbers and then exploded and won the National League MVP award at age-22.
Sure, there are other tremendous players around the game like Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout, but neither of those guys have shown Harper's personality. He has plenty of confidence, and is willing to say things that may ruffle some feathers. He's not afraid to be himself, and that makes him an incredible spokesperson, not just for a company, but for baseball.
While Harper is probably satisfied with his new deal, it probably pales in comparison to what he'll receive once he gets paid for his on-field performance. There are already whispers Harper could become baseball's first $500 million player if he continues on this trajectory.
Endorsements are great and all, but there's nothing better for a player than being a coveted free-agent. We take that back, a big World Series ring is pretty good too.
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