White Sox will not be shocking landing spot for Bryce Harper, who gets 13-year deal from Phillies

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After missing out on Manny Machado, it seemed highly unlikely that the White Sox would land the other huge name on this free-agent market.

So, no, there was no 11th-hour shocker involving the Bryce Harper surprising the world and coming to the South Side.

Harper, arguably the biggest star in baseball, is heading to the Philadelphia Phillies, according to multiple reports, after they pledged to "maybe be a little stupid" with their offseason spending. Whether it was stupid or not, the reported total on the contract is $330 million over 13 years, making it the biggest contract in baseball history. There are reportedly no opt outs in the contract.

The White Sox had interest in Harper earlier this offseason, reportedly meeting with him twice in the final months of 2018: once in November, when Jim Thome was reportedly present, and against in December, when baseball descended on Harper's hometown of Las Vegas for the Winter Meetings.

But reports connecting the White Sox to Harper mostly fizzled once the calendar turned to 2019, and reports dubbing the White Sox as "out" on Harper quickly followed once Machado spurned them to play for the San Diego Padres.

And so the White Sox exit the offseason without Machado, Harper or the potential to add Nolan Arenado next offseason, as he agreed to a new contract with the Colorado Rockies earlier this week.

Rick Hahn pledged that the money set aside to sign a "premium talent" to add to the team's collection of prospects will be spent. Whether it comes next offseason during a loaded free-agent period, the year after when Mike Trout and Mookie Betts hit the market or via trade remains to be seen.

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