In the 2018-19 offseason, two major free agents hit the market: Manny Machado and Bryce Harper.
Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, with an opt-out clause after the fifth season.
Harper put pen to paper on a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
To the contrary of the Machado pact, Harper didn’t include an option to opt out at any point of the deal.
The slugger, who has won the MVP award twice in his career, wants to stay in Philadelphia for the long haul.
He discussed his contract status with the media upon arriving in Phillies camp for the 2023 season.
“Bryce Harper’s 13 year deal with the Phils ends when he is 38: ‘I want to play well into my 40s.’ Bryce saw Manny Machado opt out of his contract with the Padres. Bryce didn’t want to opt out: ‘I wanted to let the organization and the fans know that I’m going to be here a long time,’” Phillies insider John Clark tweeted.
Bryce Harper’s 13-year deal with the Phils ends when he is 38
“I want to play well into my 40s”
Bryce saw Manny Machado opt out of his contract with the Padres. Bryce didn’t want to opt out
“I wanted to let the organization and the fans know that I’m going to be here a long time.” pic.twitter.com/PdukEoAG2S
—John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 9, 2023
This confirms that Harper would likely pursue another contract after the current one with the Phillies expires.
So far, Harper has won an MVP award in Philly (2021) and taken them to the World Series (2022).
The next item on the list would be bringing home that World Series trophy, one that the franchise hasn’t been able to win since 2008.
Harper is still in his prime and has an excellent team around him.
The Phillies’ contention window is wide open.
As long as Harper is healthy, they will have a chance.
He currently isn’t, not until June or July, so it will be a challenge to keep things afloat without him.
NEXT:
The Phillies Welcome Bryce Harper Back
