Bryce Harper’s contract in 2019, $300 million for 13- years, was a game-changer. It made him one of the highest-paid baseball players ever. But now, the same contract has Harper and his agent Scott Boras scratching their heads over. The Phillies star just in February mentioned that he would like a contract extension and “hopefully sign a couple more years as well, just to be able to play this great game in this great city.” He clearly wants to remain in the Phillies.

Now, Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, has plenty on his plate with Juan Soto—his biggest client. Recently, in the annual press conference he held yesterday in San Antonio, Soto was the main point of discussion. His other important clients include Blake Snell, Alex Bergman, and Pete Alonso. But Boras took the time to talk about Bryce Harper, who in 2025 will be entering year 7 of his 13 years with the Phillies, and his demands with the contract yet again.

Bryce Harper stuck with his contract limitations

Harper has openly talked about wanting to play even when he is in his 40s. He told Jeff Passan from ESPN that playing until he is 42 years old is a goal of his. His contract will run through 2031 when he will be 38. No wonder he needs that extension, but there is one major issue- his contract doesn’t have an opt-out clause. The originator of the clause, Scott Boras, did urge him to take it back in 2019, but Harper was resolute he wanted to stick with the team and help build something meaningful. While that’s commendable, he gave up his leverage for contract negotiations, and now, he is kind of stuck!

As per Scott Boras, Harper is still interested in the contract negotiations. He is still open to adding to his deal with Philadelphia. Scott Boras’s other client, Manny Machado, had an opt-out clause, and it helped him get a brand new contract of $350 million with the San Diego Padres. In hindsight, Harper took that decision almost ’emotionally’ rather than practically because his contract is not flexible. However, Harper still has some cards up his sleeve!

Bryce Harper’s stats are pristine; he is a two-time NL MVP and has delivered when it comes to his performance. In the six seasons with the team, he has posted a 149 OPS. Plus, we can’t forget his postseason numbers with the Phillies. In over 34 playoff games, he has a.325/.444/.709 with a 1.153 OPS. He has performed as promised, although he might regret watching others get a better deal and not getting the chance.

Is Harper filling in first base forever?

We all know Bryce Harper as an outfielder, right? After all, he has spent more than a decade in the major league in that spot. But after suffering a right elbow injury in 2022 and undergoing Tommy John surgery, he found himself in unchartered territory. Plus, with the Philadelphia Phillies losing Rhys Hoskin, their first baseman, last season to a season-ending injury, Harper didn’t take time to take over Hoskin’s role. While this season was only the first time that Harper played in first vs. first time, he has been more than impressive.

Harper was even ranked third on the list of top first basemen in the MLB. Dave Dombrowski, in fact, made it clear that Harper’s days as an outfielder are now over. “He said last year he’d go back to the outfield, but that’s not a preference. I don’t think we would do it now,” said the president of baseball operations, which means that Harper is staying put in first base in 2025 too.

Bryce Harper’s role in the team is undeniable; while the Phillies were a disappointment this season, he has excelled as a sole player too. Do you think the Philadelphia Phillies should extend his contract? Let us know your thoughts.