Bryce Harper, Phillies Have Discussed Contract Extension; 'Matter Hardly Is Urgent'

Bryce Harper, who is already signed through the 2031 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, is reportedly looking for an even longer commitment from the club.

Harper's agent, Scott Boras, has already "discussed an extension with the Phillies," according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal added "the matter hardly is urgent" entering the 2025 season.

"I’m just trying to keep my feet where I am now and enjoy it," Harper said. "But when he talks about team goals and personal goals, he talks about reaching them as a member of the Phillies."

Reports that Harper is looking for an extension go back to December 2023, when Boras said Harper wanted to play "well beyond" his current contract.

Boras again indicated in December 2024 he had discussed a potential extension with Phillies owner John Middleton and manager Dave Dombrowski.

“There’s no question that, you know, those dynamics are being discussed. John and Dave have taken the time to talk to me about it. So we’re in a place where there’s very good communication and understanding of what’s going on," Boras said on Dec. 11, per Spencer McKercher of NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Earlier that day, Juan Soto and the New York Mets had set an MLB record by finalizing a 15-year, $765 million contract set to keep Soto in Queens through his age-40 season in 2039.

Soto's contract has a full no-trade clause, but does allow a potential opt-out after 2029 that can be voided by the team with an additional $40 million, per Spotrac.

Harper, in contrast, has no opt-outs built into his deal. His intention to finish his MLB career in Philadelphia seemed clear when he signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2019 season.

The contract, which includes a full no-trade clause, runs through Harper's age-38 season.

When asked about a potential extension in February, Harper told The Athletic's Matt Gelb: “I haven’t really thought too much about that. I want to be here for a long time — playing into my 40s. I mean, that’s the biggest thing for me. So I want to get that done.”

The Phillies could potentially add two more seasons to Harper's contract to bring the deal into his age-40 campaign, although Dombrowski said last December he has never re-negotiated with a player still under contract for multiple seasons, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

Harper, who spent last year at first base after playing his first 11 seasons in the outfield, earned his eighth career All-Star nod as he slashed .285/.373/.525 with 30 home runs and 87 RBI. The Phillies will need to ensure the franchise's relationship with both him and Boras remains positive as the club looks to return to the top of the NL East in 2025.