Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth Goes to the Nationals: Money is Good

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth has signed with the Washington Nationals to a seven-year, $126 million contract.  The Phillies will miss this potent player.  He has hit 87 home runs and stolen 53 bases in the past three seasons, and Werth is one of 10 hitters to average at least 29 home runs.  He also have exceedingly great defensive skills. In the past three seasons, he is fifth-best among right fielders in Defensive Runs Saved, which is the ability to turn batted balls into outs and deter baserunners from taking an extra base.  The Phillies fans knew what Jayson was, and now they are at a loss.  But what really motivated Jayson Werth to take this extraordinary contract?

After Ryan Howard took his 5-year, $125 million contract in late April, the Phillies entered a slump, and some of it could have been the result of professional rivalry.  Jayson Werth quite possibly was one of those players involved since he was not hitting well at that time either.  With Howard currently enjoying his exorbitant contract, it’s Jayson Werth’s turn now.

Now Washington has two former Philadelphia players in Donovan McNabb and Jayson Werth, and both have been awarded large contracts in attempt to salvage their respective teams.  McNabb has not been successful in redeeming the Washington Redskins. Perhaps Werth will have a better chance with the Washington Nationals.