The Phillies have the money, and it's been reported, they are looking to spend it. I believe their owner said they're willing to offer "stupid money." It's been their belief all along that they would end up with either Harper or Machado. Based on the reports I've read, I don't see another team willing to offer as much as the Phillies can.
I'm definitely not a fan of the 10-year deals, either. That being said, most of these players will also have opt-out clauses. If the player does well, it's a safe bet he'd opt out and take another shot at free agency, hoping to cash in even more. However, the track record on these 10-year deals is terrible. The financial burden in the back half of the deal almost always outweighs the production in the front half of the deal. The only deals I can think of that are actually working out are Joey Votto and Max Scherzer.
I'm definitely not a fan of the 10-year deals, either. That being said, most of these players will also have opt-out clauses. If the player does well, it's a safe bet he'd opt out and take another shot at free agency, hoping to cash in even more. However, the track record on these 10-year deals is terrible. The financial burden in the back half of the deal almost always outweighs the production in the front half of the deal. The only deals I can think of that are actually working out are Joey Votto and Max Scherzer.