NASHVILLE — In negotiating Bryce Harper’s 13-year megacontract with the Phillies, agent Scott Boras advised his star client to include a clause that would enable him to opt out after a few years, reenter free agency, and sign a new deal that reflected inflation and other market forces.

Harper’s response: No thanks.

Harper had different priorities in 2019. He desired to establish himself in a new city, dedicate himself to a group, and enlist the support of other elite athletes. He has carried it out. With No. 3 leading them from the No. 3 position in the batting order, the Phillies went from being postseason outsiders to a contender in the World Series.

But there wasn’t much doubt about Harper’s desire when he recently mentioned to Boras that he wants to play in Philadelphia for the rest of his career — and that he wants a contract extension to match that devotion. Harper wants to play into his 40s; his contract expires after his age-38 season.

At baseball’s winter meetings on Wednesday, Boras stated, “He feels that he’s been there five years, he’s shown them who he is and why he is a franchise player.” “I believe he has altered the perception of Philadelphia among players. He thus arrived and said, “I want to get this off my mind.” Since I intend to play well beyond the terms of my contract, I want to know when this is finished.

The timing of the request is unusual. Harper’s $330 million contract runs through 2031, so there would seem to be little need for urgency on the Phillies’ part.