Title: Bryce Harper’s Contract Extension with Phillies Possible This Offseason
Date: [Current Date]
The future of Bryce Harper’s contract with the Philadelphia Phillies has become a hot topic of discussion as the offseason approaches. Harper and his camp have made it clear that they would like to see his current contract extended, and there are indications that this could happen sooner rather than later.
Throughout the past season, Harper dropped hints that he would like his contract, which currently runs through the 2031 season, to be extended. In late August, after hitting his 300th career home run, Harper expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Phillies and his desire to continue playing for the team beyond his current contract.
Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, shed some light on the matter during a recent podcast appearance. Boras explained that Harper chose not to include an opt-out clause in his 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies because he wanted to commit to the team and help them win. Harper believed that if he produced and helped the team acquire more stars, he would have the leverage to negotiate for more from ownership.
After Harper’s outstanding performance in the 2022 NLCS, Phillies owner John Middleton admitted that the deal had become a bargain for the team. This acknowledgment further fueled speculation that Harper may seek to discuss amendments to his contract.
However, without an opt-out clause, Harper may not have the same leverage as Manny Machado, who recently signed a new contract with the San Diego Padres that extended his deal through the 2033 season. Boras did not deny that Harper would like to discuss potential amendments to his contract, which still has eight years and $196 million remaining.
While President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has other pressing matters to attend to this offseason, such as re-signing Aaron Nola and addressing the bullpen, the decision to extend Harper’s contract will ultimately be an ownership-level decision. Harper’s value to the organization, both on and off the field, makes it difficult for the Phillies to dismiss extension overtures from him.
While there is no official report on the matter, it is not far-fetched to imagine waking up one day this winter to news of an extension between Harper and the Phillies. Harper’s desire to achieve his goals in Philadelphia and his commitment to the team make an extension a possibility.
In the end, the key players in any potential contract extension conversation would be Harper and Middleton. Their discussions could have a significant impact on the Phillies’ future, extending beyond Dombrowski’s tenure.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Phillies and whether they choose to engage in contract extension talks with their star outfielder.Title: Bryce Harper Expresses Desire for Contract Extension with Phillies
Subtitle: Phillies Nation speculates on the possibility of a contract extension for Bryce Harper this offseason
Date: [Current Date]
In a not-so-under-the-radar storyline, Bryce Harper and his camp have made it clear that they would like to see his current contract with the Philadelphia Phillies extended. Phillies Nation has been closely following this development, suggesting that a contract extension could potentially be on the horizon this offseason.
Throughout the past season, Harper dropped hints indicating his desire for an extension. The most notable instance occurred in late August after he hit his 300th career home run. Harper expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to wear the Phillies uniform and his hope to continue playing for the team beyond his current contract, which runs through the 2031 season.
Harper’s aspirations to play for the Phillies until he’s 45 years old were revealed in an interview with Matt Gelb of The Athletic before the season began. He firmly believes in his ability to achieve this goal and has been vocal about his desire to remain with the team.
Known for being guarded in his interactions with the media, Harper’s public statements are carefully chosen, and his repeated hints at wanting a contract extension are no accident. It is evident that he wants to convey his intentions to the Phillies organization and fans.
During a recent podcast appearance with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of The New York Post, Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, shed light on the thought process behind not including an opt-out clause in Harper’s 13-year, $330 million deal signed before the 2019 season. Boras explained that Harper wanted to commit to the Phillies, win games, and demonstrate his loyalty to the fans. He believed that by producing on the field and helping the team acquire more star players, he would gain leverage to negotiate for more favorable terms in the future.
Boras emphasized that Harper’s ultimate goal is to be recognized as undervalued by the Phillies ownership. After Harper’s outstanding performance in Game 5 of the 2022 NLCS, where he hit the game-winning home run and won the series MVP, Phillies owner John Middleton admitted that the contract had become a bargain for the team. This acknowledgment further fueled Harper’s desire to discuss potential amendments to his contract.
Comparisons have been drawn to Manny Machado, who became a free agent in the same offseason as Harper. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres, which included an opt-out after the fifth season. However, the Padres later extended Machado’s contract to an 11-year, $350 million deal, tying him to the team until the 2033 season. Harper’s contract, on the other hand, has eight years and $196 million remaining, without an opt-out clause.
While the absence of an opt-out may limit Harper’s leverage to negotiate additional years, Boras did not deny that his client would like to discuss potential amendments to his contract. Harper aims to achieve his goals in Philadelphia, including playing into his early 40s, putting up Hall of Fame numbers, and solidifying his commitment to the team and the city.
As the offseason progresses, President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski will have to address this pressing issue along with other team matters. The Phillies organization and fans eagerly await further developments regarding Bryce Harper’s contract extension aspirations.
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