In the aftermath of the Philadelphia Phillies extending ace pitcher Zack Wheeler to a three-year, $126 million deal, the team has set its rotation up to have two No. 1 caliber starters anchoring it well into the 2027 season. And while the Phillies may not be done adding to their rotation just yet, fans can all let out a collective sigh of relief that the Phillies’ competitive window may have just been extended a few more seasons.

Now, the question on everyone’s minds is how the Phillies should approach the idea of extending Bryce Harper. It’s no secret that Harper wants to stick around; he has practically been on a one-man PR tour on extension talks since the conclusion of the 2023 post-season. As fans, we’re back to the question that tugs on all of our heartstrings: Is extending Bryce Harper the right thing to do?

It’s not the right thing to do. When Harper’s contract expires at the end of the 2031 season, the two-time National League MVP will be 38 years old. Productive position players that old rarely exist in the modern game. Miguel Cabrera anyone? Thanks for your service, Bryce.

In addition to Harper, Trea Turner is signed through 2033, when he will be 41 years old. Sure, that seems like a future concern, but how likely is it that the Phillies will have two players in their 40s still playing at such a high level that they both will be deserving of a roster spot? Not likely. That’s the main reason why the Phillies would be making a big mistake by extending Harper.

Plus, the Phillies have other players who will need to be considered for an extension very soon. Let’s take a look at four players on the roster who the team should consider signing to a contract extension before Bryce Harper.