After signing with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, agreeing to a 13-year deal for $330 million with no opt-outs, word spreads around the clubhouse of Bryce Harper’s interest in a contract extension. As his contract expires in 2032, Harper has eight years left with the Phillies franchise. So, what’s the rush now?

According to ESPN, at the winter meetings this past December, Scott Boras who is Harper’s agent, voiced his interest to “end his career in Philadelphia” and “play well beyond the contract he has.” At the end of Bryce’s contract, he will be 38 years old and approaching retirement from the major leagues. Yet, in a recent interview during Spring Training, Harper seeks long-term commitment, beyond what his contract entails:

“I think there’s been communication there, you know, between myself and Dave, and also Scott and Dave as well. Obviously, I want to be here for a long time, and we’ll see what happens.”

There needs to be more emphasis on those keywords, “for a long time.” By that I mean, Bryce Harper is looking to play into his 40s, an uncommon move for players that are far into their major league careers. Why might this be?

The Face of the Franchise

When Harper first entered the franchise, he brought a new era to Phillies baseball. Forgoing opt-outs in his contract, Harper displayed an unwavering commitment to Philadelphia, an attitude that would eventually attract star players like Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos. Helping lead the team through the 2022 and 2023 postseason, Bryce remains an integral part of the Phillies organization.

And you can’t dismiss the energy Harper brings into Citizens Bank Park, either. When playing right field, at the start of games, Harper would excite fans with his notorious bow. Phillies fans adore Harper, and the energy is certainly reciprocated. It is also undeniable that his energy is contagious, especially towards his teammates. Come on, look at Harper with the Daycare.

A New Full-Time First Basemen

After Hoskins’ tore his ACL during 2023 spring training, the Phillies needed to fill their position at first and who could have been a better candidate than Harper? Although an outfielder for his entire career, after the 2022 postseason, when Harper underwent Tommy John surgery, tides changed. Expressing a willingness to play whatever position Dombrowski found fitting, whether it be right-field or first base, it was decided that “as a collective, first base is where we want you.”

Ever since making his debut mid-July during the Phillies’ series opener in Cleveland, Harper steadily defended first and ultimately solidified it as his permanent position. With 36 starts at first during the 2023 season and 13 in the playoffs, Bryce has surely earned his position. Better get comfy at first, Bryce, looks like playing the outfield is a thing of the past.

An “Underpaid” Player?

Let’s address the obvious—Bryce willingly signed a contract with no opt-outs. Although Scott Boras had advised Harper of the magnitude and benefits associated with an opt-out on numerous occasions, Bryce remarked, “I’m going to Philadelphia. I want the fans to know that I’m going to be there for the remainder of my career.”

Bryce’s choice was stern and deliberate. He knew what offer was on the table and that once taken, his presence on the team would ultimately help to recruit future stars, which it certainly did.

Harper’s current salary is roughly $26 million. So, is “underpaid” the correct term here?

Displayed on Opta Analyst’s List of Highest Paid Players in MLB History, compared to Mike Trout who signed a 12-year $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2019, Harper falls below other big-ticket players like Mookie Betts and Manny Machado.

Either way, Forbes couldn’t have said it better- “Unfortunately for Harper and Boras, they made their $330 million bed.”

A Future Nominee to the Hall of Fame

Referred to as a “Hall of Fame-type talent” by Scott Boras, this star has personal goals he wishes to achieve in Philadelphia, namely a designated plaque in Cooperstown, New York. And rightfully so. Regardless of the sport, every professional player yearns to make it into the Hall of Fame. It is a token of achievement, a symbol of an exceptional career.

Every Phillies fan can envision Harper in the Hall of Fame, next to the greats like Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn. Recognized as a 3x Silver Slugger, 2x MVP, 7x All-Star, NLCS MVP, 2X Hank Aaron Award winner, and Rookie of the Year in 2012, in his career thus far, Harper has the credentials of a soon-to-be Hall of Famer.

After playing seven seasons with the Washington Nationals and five current with the Philadelphia Phillies, Harper has eight years left to make record-breaking numbers. Do you think it’s possible? I mean, we’re talking about Bryce Harper, here.

When signing with the Phillies in 2019, Harper’s no opt-out contract pledged commitment to the city. A commitment that yearns to leave a legacy with the organization.

Downside of an Extension: An Unpredictable Future

While Harper is a resilient position player, his performance will not be the same at 40 years old. Although a current superstar for the Philadelphia Phillies, as Harper ages, would it be wise to spend more money on an older player who is prone to injuries?

The answer is still unclear. Although fans are finding Harper’s extension request a bit absurd and premature, this lies in the hands of Dave Dombrowski.

I’d hate to be in his position.

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As of recently, the Philadelphia Phillies offered Zack Wheeler a three-year contract extension that is worth $126 million. Going into effect as of 2025, Wheeler will play with the Phillies through the 2027 season.

Now, what does this mean for Bryce Harper? Before the extension, with his original contract, Wheeler had one more remaining season with the Phillies. It was imperative for Wheeler’s contract to be discussed whereas for Harper, the front office is not fretting as he has eight more years left.

What do you think, Phillies fans? Is Harper’s interest in a contract extension foolish at this time? Will the front office cave in this year or wait until further in Harper’s career to make a move? Is an extension even likely to occur?

Kaitlyn Cross is a fourth-year English student minoring in Creative Writing and Marketing/Management. Kaitlyn’s interests include shopping, watching the Phillies, and digital design.