Bryce Harper Hoping To Sign Contract That Will Keep Him In Philadelphia For The Rest Of His Career
Bryce Harper isn’t just content with his current contract; he’s eyeing a longer stay with the Philadelphia Phillies, ready to delve into discussions about a contract extension. At 31, Harper expressed his desire to cap off his career with the Phillies, a sentiment conveyed by his agent, Scott Boras, during baseball’s winter meetings on Wednesday.
Harper’s current megadeal, a 13-year, $330 million agreement, is set to conclude at the end of his age-38 season. However, Harper, with aspirations of playing into his 40s, is eager to secure an extension that ensures he remains a Phillies player throughout the remainder of his illustrious career.
“Bryce has let me know that he wants to work out an extension so that he knows that he’s going to be there for the remainder of his career,” Boras stated, emphasizing Harper’s commitment to the Phillies. Boras, a seasoned agent, sees Harper as a franchise player and has conveyed this to the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski.
When Harper initially signed with the Phillies in 2019, Boras recommended including an opt-out clause after a few years, a common feature in many contracts negotiated by the agent. However, Harper publicly expressed disinterest in opting out, stating his desire to ensure stability and to be a pivotal force in recruiting players to Philadelphia.
”I want the fans in Philadelphia to know that I’m going to be there for the duration and that I’m committed,’” Boras explained Harper’s stance. Harper’s vocal support for the Phillies in retaining players like J.T. Realmuto and pursuing free agents, including Trea Turner, has positioned him as an influential figure in the team’s recruitment efforts.
Having transitioned to first base last season, Harper is set to make it his full-time position in 2024. In his five seasons with the Phillies, he has boasted an impressive .284/.395/.536 batting line with 122 homers. Furthermore, his postseason performances, with a .324/.432/.705 slash line and 11 homers in the last two seasons, underscore his value and impact.
