Not only is Bryce Harper happy with his current deal, but he is also considering a longer stay with the Philadelphia Phillies and is prepared to start talking about extending it. At Wednesday’s baseball winter meetings, Harper, 31, stated that he would like to finish his career with the Phillies. His agent, Scott Boras, echoed this sentiment.
At the conclusion of his 38th season, Harper’s current megadeal, a 13-year, $330 million contract, is scheduled to expire. But Harper is keen to sign an extension that will guarantee he plays for the Phillies for the balance of his legendary career because he wants to play into his 40s.
Bryce Harper is hoping to discuss an extension to stay a Phillie for the rest of his career, per @ScottLauber pic.twitter.com/JkqzucwWMW
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 6, 2023
Boras emphasized Harper’s dedication to the Phillies by saying, “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.” Experienced agent Boras believes Harper is a franchise player, and he has told Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, of this.
Boras suggested Harper include an opt-out clause after a few years when he first signed with the Phillies in 2019. This is a typical provision in many contracts that the agent negotiated. But Harper made it known that he was not interested in pulling out, saying that he wanted to make sure that everything was stable and that he wanted to be a major player recruiter for Philadelphia.
Bryce Harper against Craig Kimbrel at Camden Yards in the top of the 9th inning with 2 outs on a 1-2 pitch pic.twitter.com/2njsBX6Zgc
— Dark Closeau- FIRE EVERYONE!! (severely depressed) (@DCloseau) December 6, 2023
Boras elucidated Harper’s position, saying, “I want the fans in Philadelphia to know that I’m going to be there for the duration and that I’m committed.” Harper has established himself as a significant player in the Phillies’ recruitment process thanks to his outspoken support of the team’s efforts to hold onto players like J.T. Realmuto and pursue free agents like Trea Turner.
Bryce Harper wants to discuss a contract extension to stay with the Phillies for the rest of his career, per Scott Boras.
Harper is currently signed through the 2031 season. pic.twitter.com/av5k5CvAnB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 6, 2023
Harper moved to first base during the previous season and will start playing there full-time in 2024. During his five seasons with the Phillies, he has amassed an outstanding batting line of.284/.395/.536 with 122 home runs. In addition, his postseason accomplishments—11 home runs in the previous two seasons and a.324/.432/.705 slash line—highlight his significance and worth.
