Says the Los Angeles Times:
When the Dodgers courted Bryce Harper this spring, they spoke to him about the possibility of him playing left field for them.
Harper went on to sign a $330-million contract with the Phillies. The Dodgers stayed with Joc Pederson in left field.
Pederson launched his 17th home run of the season Friday night, redirecting a fifth-inning slider by Jake Arrieta high above Harper’s head and into the Matt Stairs region of Dodger Stadium’s right field pavilion.
Harper was 0 for 4 in the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory over the Phillies. He remained stuck with 10 home runs to go with a .248 average, which is 26 points lower than Pederson’s.
Harper will earn $30 million this season. Pederson will make $5 million.
The early results indicate the Dodgers made the right call in exercising restraint in their pursuit of Harper, but, well, it’s still early. A little more than a third of the season has been played. Harper’s contract is for 13 years. There’s still plenty of time to render a verdict:
