Bryce Harper has become a Philadelphia legend in his first five seasons with the Phillies, leading the way as the team became a powerhouse in the National League. The slugger is still under contract through 2031, but he is already thinking about how to end his career in Philadelphia.
At the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, explained that Harper already wants to approach the team about a contract extension.
“Bryce has certainly expressed to them that he wants to end his career in Philadelphia,” Boras said, via ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. “He came there for the fans. Apart from my advice, he goes, ‘I just want to go and make sure I can recruit players in Philadelphia, let the fans in Philadelphia know that I’m going to be there for the duration, that I am committed.’ I think he’s been an important voice for them to attract major free agents.”
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Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies before the 2019 season and has lived up to his contract ever since. The left-handed hitter won the NL MVP in 2021, then led the team to the NL pennant in 2022 before losing to the Astros in the World Series.
Although Harper first signed as an outfielder, an injury to his right elbow in ’22 led to him moving to first base last year, and the expectation is he will remain a first baseman for the Phillies moving forward. In ’23, Harper played in 126 games for Philadelphia and totaled 21 home runs, 72 RBIs and a .900 OPS.