Cali taxes cost Giants, Dodgers in Bryce Harper get

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The Giants, for instance, reportedly offered a 12-year, $310 million deal. But the tax rate in California was just too high, Harper’s agent says.

According to the Los Angeles Times, California has the “highest state rate in the nation, topping out at 13.3%.”

But by choosing the Phillies, Harper is saving himself millions.

By contrast, Pennsylvania has a low flat rate for every taxpayer regardless of income. It’s just 3.07%. That’s one reason why superstar slugger Bryce Harper signed an eye-popping 13-year, $330-million contract last week with the Philadelphia Phillies, spurning the Dodgers and Giants.

USA Today baseball reporter, Bob Nightengale, noted that Harper wanted at least $335 million over 12 years from the Giants so that he would not lose so much in taxes.

Scott Boras, Harper’s agent, noted that the difference between the two tax rates is “dramatic.” Boras added, “It could be almost a full year’s compensation.

“The Giants, Dodgers, and Padres are in the worst state income tax jurisdiction in all of baseball,” Boras said. “Players really get hit.”

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