"I'm fully committed to this team for the long haul. I can see myself playing well into my 40s," Harper asserted upon his arrival at the Phillies' camp on Sunday.
This spring, Harper will embrace the role of the team's everyday first baseman. This strategic shift, which commenced last year to accommodate his return post-Tommy John surgery and the absence of the injured Rhys Hoskins, stemmed from in-depth discussions in the weeks following the NLCS between Harper and Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations.
"We had a productive conversation; Dombo and I sat down, and we both saw the value this move could bring to our organization," Harper explained. "I made it clear that I was fully onboard with whatever they decided. Whether it's right field or first base, I'm here to contribute wherever the team needs me most."
Harper's transition to first base has been notable, starting 49 games in the position, including postseason appearances, and displaying commendable defensive abilities with +3 Outs Above Average and one Defensive Run Saved. Multiple scouts have recognized his potential as an above-average defender at first base.
Bryce Harper on moving to first base and his contract status https://t.co/uqjmf96rH6
— Patrick Gordon (@PGordonPBR) February 20, 2024
“I thought he was great,” manager Rob Thomson said of Harper’s
performance at first base at the end of last season. “I was pleasantly surprised by how
he played.”
A seven-time All-Star, Harper boasts a career average of .281 with 306 homers, 889 RBIs, and an impressive .912 OPS, ranking fifth among active players behind Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr.
With his current deal extending until he turns 38, Harper still has seven years and $196 million remaining on his $330 million, 13-year contract, considered a relative bargain with a $25.4 million average salary that ranks 19th among current players.
Despite the substantial duration remaining on his contract, Harper's agent, Scott Boras, hinted at the possibility of an extension during the Winter Meetings in Nashville.
While Harper and Boras have expressed interest in revisiting the contract with an extension, it's unclear if the Phillies, Dombrowski, or owner John Middleton share the same enthusiasm for further negotiations.
For now, Harper acknowledges the importance of addressing the team's immediate needs and understands other signings and extensions may take priority.
"I understand there are other players to consider, such as Wheeler, who's a key figure for us right now," Harper told reporters, referring to Zack Wheeler entering the last season of a $118 million, five-year deal. "Contract negotiations can evolve throughout the season, so we'll see what Scott and Dave can come up with."
With the Phillies coming close to securing a World Series win in 2022 and 2023, and with a legitimate chance again in 2024 to contend for a championship, Harper emphasized the urgency to capitalize on the current window for success.
"This is a window that we got to win in. Our ownership deserves that. Our fans deserve that. Dombrowski deserves that, and we do, too," Harper said.
