the potential risks of Phillies superstar extension.
Bryce Harper’s loyalty isn’t worth the risk of a Phillies extension
Bryce Harper wants a contract extension
The Phillies superstar signed a 13-year $330 million contract in February 2019
Since the Philadelphia Phillies signed superstar first baseman/outfielder Bryce Harper to a 13-year $330 million mega-deal in February 2019, Harper has established himself as the team’s face.
“Bryce Harper wants a long-term contract with the Philadelphia Phillies,” said agent Scott.
Throughout Harper’s first five years in Philadelphia, he’s done everything in his power to please the fans. He’s made it clear that he loves the organization and loves playing for the fans. Last year, the Phillies had some injury issues at first base, with Rhys Hoskins tearing his ACL in Spring Training and Darick Hall struggling offensively and dealing with his own injury.
After Tommy John surgery in the spring, Harper started taking grounders at the position and moved from right field to the first base. The team decided to make him the team’s first baseman this off-season.
Why the Phillies shouldn’t extend Harper
It’s clear that Harper wants to stay with the Phils for the rest of his career. If he wants an extension, it means he wants to play into his 40s, and while that’s admirable, Philadelphia should consider how good a player he’ll be at the end of his 30s.
There’s no doubt that Harper is a first-round draft pick and is on the cusp of having his number retired by the Phillies. But Harper has been in the big leagues since 2012 and his career has been marked by injury. Father Time will catch up with Harper and his play will decline, likely into his 30s. Harper’s current deal expires after the 2031 campaign, when he’ll be 38.
Who knows what the organization will look like when Harper is well into his 30s? The Phillies also have 26-year-old shortstop Trea Turner on a monster deal similar to the one they agreed to with their Las Vegas, Nevada-native. At some point in the future, the Phils will need to consider a new face for the franchise to build around.
The Phils stuck with core players like Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley when they were well out of their prime when the team needed to move in a different direction. It’s a good thing for a club to be loyal to its core players. But sports is a business, and difficult decisions have to be made. The last thing Philadelphia wants is to be stuck with a deal that could end up holding them back from rebuilding and building around new core players.
13 years is more than enough for a contract.
