It is not appropriate for the Philadelphia Phillies to offer Bryce Harper a longer contract. Although Harper’s contract expires in 2031, he may wish to extend it.
An extension is not essential because there is still so much time remaining in the contract. Harper’s desire to end his career with the Phillies is admirable. Right now, it is not the best idea to do that with a contract extension for a term that ends in eight years. The Phillies don’t need to extend the agreement unless doing so will somehow lower their luxury tax number. That doesn’t seem likely to be possible given the current arrangement of the transaction.
It is simpler to pull this trick when you sign a new contract. This will be more difficult to accomplish with the Harper deal as an extension merely adds to the current agreement.
Harper’s attorney, Scott Boras, most certainly posted this to increase his client’s earnings. Harper has one of the wealthiest contracts in baseball when he signed with the Phillies in 2019. It is now lower on the list, particularly since Shohei Ohtani recently signed the most expensive deal in MLB and North American professional sports history with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Most likely, Boras is attempting to extend the agreement for one or two more years and to get Haper a respectable wage increase.
After all, as one of the most well-known agents in baseball, Boras’s duty is to maximize profits for each and every one of his clients. Boras is also baseball’s most outspoken agent. Depending on the circumstances, this could be beneficial or detrimental.
Extension of Bryce Harper’s Contract
The Extension Is Not Necessary Right Now
Zack Wheeler should receive a contract extension from the Phillies before Harper does, if they are willing to grant any this winter. Wheeler’s contract is set to expire after the 2024 season, so it makes sense to prioritize his extension. Before engaging in negotiations with Harper, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski ought to concentrate on discussing an extension with Wheeler. For the Phillies front office, this would be the most efficient use of their resources.
The Phillies would not be making the best use of their time or resources if they extended Harper before Wheeler. It is appropriate for the Phillies to politely reject Boras’s attempt to get Harper an extension. This extension does not have to occur right now.
A Reprieve Nearer the Current Agreement’s Termination?
But go ahead and extend Harper if you can do it in a way that frees up cash for other extensions or free agents. If not, Harper ought to wait until after the existing agreement ends to secure an extension. Aaron Nola’s most recent contract extension ends before Harper’s current contract does. Every other Phillies player, with the exception of Trea Turner, has a contract that expires before Harper’s does. Considering that, there is no need for an extension at this time.
The main culprit behind the current state of affairs is Boras. Ultimately, it was Boras, not Harper, who brought this to the public’s attention.
What The Phillies Need To Focus On
Priorities should be addressed by the Phillies before Harper. Apart from the discussions on Wheeler’s deal, Dombrowski ought to attempt to sign at least one of Josh Hader and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The addition of Hader or Yamamoto would be extremely beneficial to the Phillies. A great closer like Hader is needed after the Phillies bullpen experienced significant postseason failures.
The Phillies’ rotation would be strengthened and their pitching depth increased with the addition of Yamamoto. Right now, it appears doubtful that Dombrowski will sign an outfielder. This would suggest that, in contrast to what has previously been revealed, Johan Rojas might start centerfield for the Phillies on a regular basis.
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