By TJ Bellissimo - The Lead
The San Francisco Baseball Giants reportedly had extreme
interest in the possible signing of MLB Phenom Bryce Harper to their historic
franchise. Supposedly the organization was very close to making a deal but
plans fell short because Bryce Harper like many Americans refuse to pay
Californias ridiculous taxes.
The former Washington National signed a historic MLB contract last week
specifically inking a 13 year $330 millioncontract with the
Philadelphia Phillies.
Harper stands to receive $10 million in salary and $20 million in a
signing bonus. From 2020 to 2028 Harper will receive $26 million dollars
annually. From 2029 to 2031 he will receive $22 million annually. Harpers
contract has no deferred compensation and does not contain a no trade
clause. Via Fox Business.
Individual state tax rates was a definite factor on Bryce Harpers list before
a signing a long term contract with any team. Philadelphia currently produces a
3.07 income tax rate giving Harper the chance to walk away with about $187 million of the original $330 million contract.
Reports from all over the sports world pointed in the direction that the young
slugger would be signing with either the Giants or the Dodgers. Both California
teams recruited Harper throughout the offseason offering a $310 million 12
year contract and $168 million for a four year contract. Ultimately Harpers
decision to not sign with a California team had nothing to do with
baseball coaching or initial contract money. His decision came strictly from
the perspective of a tax payer living in an obviously unfair state.
There was indeed a bidding war for Harpers services and that California
state taxes may have played a role in the outcome. Even if he preferred
California as a destination cost of living proved to be prohibitive to reach
his goal of maximum value. Though on a much larger scale its a compromise
that many of those who live in California or have considered moving there have
had to consider. Reported Yahoo Sports.
This is truly something we rarely see in sports (at least publically) all
reports pointed to Harper signing with a California MLB team whether that was
the Giants or Dodgers. Of course that was until the contract numbers were
crunched…nothing is set in stone until the money is right!
Harper and his team combed through the details of his contract offers
ultimately coming to the realization that California and their taxes are an
absolute joke.
Because of Californias atrocious 13.3 income tax rate Bryce Harper would have
been set to only make $161 million from the San Francisco deal and only $89
million from the Dodgers deal.
