Bryce Harper’s agent has expressed interest in extending his contract.
Bryce Harper is interested in extending his contract with the Phillies, according to agent Scott Boras. Harper wants to ensure he remains committed to the team and attract players, as he has been an important voice for the team in attracting major free agents and other players.
Harper is still not even halfway through the 13-year, $330M contract he signed with the Phillies as a free agent during the 2018-19 offseason. At the time of the signing, Harper’s contract was the most expensive in baseball history, and it still ranks seventh all-time in terms of total dollars. In terms of average annual value, however, Harper’s deal doesn’t crack the top 40 all-time, as he is making a relatively (in a very broad sense) modest AAV of just under $25.4M per season. In terms of actual dollars, Harper is still owed $196M through the 2031 season.
The deal was a straight 13-year pact without any opt-outs or club option years, which was by design. At the time of the signing, Harper stressed that he wanted long-term security for the rest of his career, so he could focus on baseball without having to worry about any future changes of scenery or upcoming trips to free agency. This dovetailed with the Phillies’ desire to add premium talent while also keeping costs (again) relatively in check in terms of the luxury tax. With Harper’s money spread out over a longer term, that $25.4M AAV puts less of a hit on Philadelphia’s annual luxury tax bill.
