Baseball’s most lucrative contract hangs in the balance for an outfielder that has made headlines since he was 16 years-old. Bryce Harper is the rare specimen that not only garnered extreme coverage through his teenage years, but played up to lofty expectations. Names like LeBron James and Andrew Luck come to mind for comparison – James clearly offers the ceiling for the group. Harper pushed himself to the forefront of baseball in 2015 as he was crowned National League MVP. Years of preparation came to fulfillment at only 23 years-old.

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In case you somehow missed the elite five-tool prospect who landed on Sports Illustrated as a teenager, here’s some background. Harper earned his GED after his sophomore year of high school, immediately making him eligible for the 2010 draft. He made headlines in a number of ways during his lone college season at Southern Nevada where he led the team to the National Junior College World Series. He was promptly ejected during the tournament (Southern Nevada was eliminated in the game he missed due to suspension). Harper was subsequently drafted number one overall by the Nationals. Washington made it back-to-back first overall selections after drafting Stephen Strasburg in 2009.

Making his Major League debut only two years later at the age of 19, Harper maintained his superstar trajectory by winning the National League Rookie of the Year. After two forgettable years (by comparison), Harper finally exploded in his fourth year(2015), hitting .330/.460/.649 with 42 home runs and an unquestioned Most Valuable Player award. He is now 25 and under contract for one more season in Washington. Lauding a likely five All-Star appearances, a Rookie of the Year, one MVP, and a matching Silver Slugger award; baseball is awaiting the 2018-19 offseason with anticipation similar to that of Peyton Manning in 2012.

Harper’s Destination

Harper has already made history in regards to contracts. The one-year, $21.625M extension he signed this season ranks ahead of all arbitration-eligible players to this point. The real question lies beyond the 2018 season. For over two years we have heard that Harper is destined to land in New York.

New York

The Yankees’ legacy and ability to pay whatever amount is needed makes them clear front runners for Harper. In fact, it’s one of the most logical pairings in sports. As Bryce Harper ascends into a personality beyond baseball, there is no better landing spot than New York. The Big Apple treats their athletes with near religious acumen when they meet the high expectations. Derek Jeter. Alex Rodriguez. Odell Beckham Jr. Carmelo Anthony. Some of the biggest names in sports will forever have a tie to the big city.

Chicago

However, it is difficult to pass up the chance to play with another MVP, a team fresh off a World Series victory, a similarly large market, and the same pinstripes on your uniform. Rumors of Harper wanting to join the Cubs have offered welcomed variety into the middle months of 2017. A rekindling of the childhood camaraderie of Harper and Kris Bryant appears to be the antithesis of the hated Yankees. Rather than pursuing the bright lights, he’d rather focus on baseball and an old teammate…right? Wrong. Harper will command the largest contract in baseball’s history regardless of where he goes. That fact alone is almost enough to knock the Cubs out of contention. Their superstar, Bryant, will be in the middle of his arbitration years come 2019.

Harper WILL have the option to sign to a $400,000,000 contract (you need to see all those zeroes to comprehend). In fact, there is a chance that escalates up to a $500,000,000 price tag if the bidding war actually heats up.

Worth the Money?

What makes Harper such an interesting prospect is that he generally keeps his head down and grinds, but you will never see him hide his true emotions. The most recent incident between him and Hunter Strickland exemplifies what can be expected from the powerful outfielder. After Strickland pegged him with a 98 MPH fastball, Harper held his ground and charged the mound. The shot to his gut came three years after the outfielder launched a pair of home runs in a series the Giants would go on to win. Opinions will vary on whether it was justified.

The only guarantee is that the beanball came as a result of Harper’s elite production. In fact, his greatest claim to fame (the 2015 season) stands out as a historic achievement. Only 14 players in MLB history have posted a .330 AVG, 40 HR, and 100 R season in their first five seasons. Harper’s respective season ranks behind only Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig and Willie Mays in individual WAR.

Given the fickle nature of baseball players and their franchises, a player changing teams is not all that unexpected. However, it is rare that a player as highly talented as Harper reaches the free market. The most recent case was Albert Pujols, and his potential departure was enough to fuel St. Louis’ run to the World Series. A highly marketable player such as Harper will make for one of the most exciting single-player offseasons in recent sports history. Adding the lucrative nature of deals negotiated by agent Scott Boras, the historic magnitude of the eventual signing could single-handedly shift the outlook of baseball.