The Philadelphia Phillies and top stars agent, Scott Boras, have reportedly “discussed an extension with the Phillies,” according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.

Key star is set to begin his seventh season in Philadelphia and 14th overall in the MLB. The two-time MVP is nearing career milestones of 350 home runs and 1,000 RBIs, living up to the superstar expectations the Phillies had when they signed him.

With his current deal running through 2031, the question now is: What does Harper’s long-term future in Philadelphia look like? Will the Phillies look to extend him further, ensuring he finishes his career in Philly?

Bryce Harper’s Current Situation

When asked about his contract by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb, Bryce Harper made it clear he wants to stay in Philadelphia long-term.

“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,” Harper said.

Harper originally signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies before the 2019 season, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $25.4 million. While it was a record-setting deal at the time, that AAV now ranks just 54th in MLB. His current contract runs through 2031, when he will be 38 years old, but with his desire to play into his 40s and his relative underpayment compared to today’s market, discussions of an extension make sense.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, “The matter hardly is urgent,” given that Harper still has seven years remaining on his deal. However, his agent Scott Boras acknowledged that negotiations have already begun.

“There’s no question that, you know, those dynamics are being discussed,” Boras said in December. “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.”

Both Harper and the Phillies appear committed to ensuring he finishes his career in Philadelphia.

What a New Contract May Look Like

When Bryce Harper signed his contract in 2019, Manny Machado inked a comparable 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres. However, Machado’s contract included an opt-out after five seasons, which led the Padres to extend him following the 2022 season to prevent him from leaving. That extension was worth $350 million over 11 years, raising his average annual value (AAV) to $31.8 million.

Harper’s deal does not include an opt-out, but a potential extension could follow a similar structure to Machado’s. While an 11-year extension would push Harper’s contract into his mid-40s—an unlikely scenario—there’s little debate that the future Hall of Famer is worth more than his current $25.4 million AAV. A raise to over $30 million per year with a few added seasons seems reasonable.

Despite ongoing extension discussions this offseason, Harper remains locked in on the 2025 season. Over his career, he has posted a .911 OPS, earned eight All-Star selections, won two MVPs, four Silver Sluggers, a Home Run Derby title, and was named 2012 Rookie of the Year. But there’s still one thing missing from his résumé.

“That World Series. That’s what you want to do,” Harper said. “All those things will take care of themselves if you’re winning and if you’re staying healthy.”

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Bryce Harper ‘More Than Open’ to Big Change As Long As It Helps Phillies Win

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is willing to do whatever it takes to win his first World Series—including a potential move back to the outfield. After transitioning to first base in 2023 following Tommy John surgery, Harper has embraced the position, but he remains open to switching if it helps the team acquire an impact bat.

In an interview with The Athletic on Wednesday, Harper revealed he had discussions with the Phillies this offseason about returning to the outfield if it allowed them to sign a power hitter at first base.

“I talked to [the Phillies] this offseason about that, just in case a guy was available [at first] that we needed to have, needed to get,” Harper told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “I’d be more than open to it if we had a guy like that, who was going to change our lineup or change the demeanor of our team. They like me at first base. But I’d go out there to have a guy who was going to play first base and hit 35 or 40 homers.”

Harper specifically mentioned Mets slugger Pete Alonso, who was rumored to be on the trade block earlier in the offseason.

“When Pete [Alonso] was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to [the Phillies] and Scott [Boras] that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”

Ultimately, Alonso re-signed with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal, and with the offseason moves settled, Harper will remain at first base in 2025. However, his willingness to shift positions could come into play in the future if the Phillies find an opportunity to add another big bat to their lineup.