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Early in the afternoon on Saturday, news broke that Bryce Harper had signed a deal for 2018 with the Nationals worth $21.625 million.
The deal, which will prevent the two sides from going through the arbitration process this winter, is the largest deal for any arbitration-eligible player in history.
We've agreed to terms with Bryce for 2018. https://t.co/jiwV5dmPYn pic.twitter.com/mhyJ216l6Q
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 13, 2017
Record-breaking contract in hand, Harper then proceeded to go 0-3 in his first three at-bats of the night against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He stepped up to the plate in the ninth with a runner on first, two outs, the Nats’ last hope of avoiding extra innings the night before a day-night doubleheader.
Then, with one swing, he ended the game (it’s also possible that the Phillies wanted to go home too, but shhhhh).
This is Bryce Harper's 5th career walk off HR and his first since ...
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) May 14, 2017
... last month. pic.twitter.com/6HtfbKFMEj
The shot to straight center field was Harper’s second walk-off home run against the Philadelphia Phillies... this season... in the past month.
Rounding third, Harper may or may not have made a little motion towards Phillies pitcher Edubray Ramos...
Did Bryce Harper give Edubray Ramos a little wave as he passed him after mashing walk-off homer? pic.twitter.com/X4rCuuxLCl
— Ben Harris (@byBenHarris) May 14, 2017
... and then trotted towards home, where he was greeted with a Gatorade shower. (Does he get extra points for kinda-sorta promoting a brand that sponsors him?)
BRYCE HARPER'S HOME PLATE CELEBRATION LOOKS LIKE IT'S ON ACID pic.twitter.com/DkcO37edBt
— Mina (@maddc8) May 14, 2017
Then, he made a shoutout to Wizards’ stud John Wall, who hit a game-winning three pointer the night before at the Verizon Center to force a game seven between the Wizards and the Celtics.
Per MLB.com’s Jamal Collier:
"Just trying to be like John Wall, walk them off a little bit. I'm excited.”
John Wall, who Harper had shouted out the night before, heard and responded.
My guy lol !! RT @jorgeccastillo: Bryce Harper on his walk-off home run: “Just trying to be like John Wall, walk them off a little bit."
— John Wall (@JohnWall) May 14, 2017
Not a bad day, Bryce. Not bad.