Bryce Harper walks in first plate appearance with Phillies

By Rob Maaddi The Associated Press

6 years ago

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper waits his turn in the batting cage before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday, March 9, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/C ... — Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper waits his turn in the batting cage before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday, March 9, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper hits in the batting cage before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday, March 9, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper gets ready to throw a ball before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday, March 9, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper waits his turn in the batting cage before a spring training baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday, March 9, 2019, in Clearwater, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper drew a five-pitch walk on Saturday in his first spring training plate appearance since signing a record contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.

The six-time All-Star outfielder signed a $330 million, 13-year contract last week, the largest deal in baseball history.

Batting third as the designated hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, Harper took four straight pitches after a mighty swing and miss. Rhys Hoskins followed with a mammoth two-run homer.

Wearing No. 3, Harper earned a loud ovation from fans at Spectrum Field.

The 26-year-old Harper played his first seven seasons for the Washington Nationals. He was the 2015 NL MVP.