Harper is eager to discuss a large contract deal with the Phillies

 

 

In an interesting turn of events, the Philadelphia Phillies could extend Bryce Harper’s contract, even though his current deal runs through 2031, eight more seasons. Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract ahead of the 2019 MLB season, and at the time, it looked fair. Especially given other contracts being doled out at the time. But as the seasons and MVP awards have passed, the contract appears to be incredibly team friendly.

That has been just fine with Harper who has not complained as it has given the team plenty of financial flexibility to add to the roster in major ways. It has led them to a World Series berth and another NLCS in 2023. However, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, a major contract extension could be on the way. And the Phillies are willing to listen.

“Agent Scott Boras is seeking a contract extension for first baseman Bryce Harper, and even though his contract doesn’t expire until after the 2031 season, the Phillies are willing to talk,” writes Nightengale. Harper has stated he wants to play well into his 40’s and if his bat keeps up, the DH position can help with that. But in a different vein, Harper is worth far more to the organization and the city than $26 million a season.

An extension could give Harper some more money annually while ensuring he remains in Philadelphia the rest of his career and goes into the Hall of Fame as a member of the Phillies. It is unconventional, but when it comes to Bryce Harper, you try and do right by the face of your franchise.

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Phillies May Look for Something “Big” at Winter Meetings

 

 

The Philadelphia Phillies are coming off of two massive offseason windows where they signed Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos to deals. Last winter also saw a high-profile trade for relief pitcher Gregory Soto and a few other additions to the pitching staff such as Taijuan Walker and Craig Kimbrel.

This offseason, the Phillies made the first big splash in free agency by re-signing Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract, effectively locking him up and making him a Phillie for life. With the core they have and a potential Bryce Harper extension on the horizon, it would be reasonable to think the Phillies are done playing in the high-end portion of free agency this winter. But president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and owner John Middleton have proven over the last few winters that they are all in for another World Series.

As such, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com thinks that Philadelphia could be looking for something “big” at next week’s MLB Winter Meetings. “If Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is to be believed, then the Phils finished their heavy lifting this offseason the moment they signed Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract,” writes Zolecki. “So, maybe they add a reliever or two to replace free agent Craig Kimbrel before Spring Training. Maybe they find a bench bat.

Or, maybe Dombrowski and Co. see if there is a trade (i.e. Corbin Burnes) to be made or a free agent to be signed (i.e. Yoshinobu Yamamoto) that sends a jolt through the NL.” One should never count the Phillies, and Dombrowski in particular, out of making a massive splash if it helps the club get better and gives them another shot at winning a World Series.

After two heart-breaking exits from the postseason in consecutive seasons, this very well may be the winter where the front office pushes all of their chips to the middle of the table.