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Bryce Harper Offers Candid Admission About Phillies Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 9:40 AM ET

Nothing is forever, a reality Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper accepted a long time ago.

Harper, the No. 1 pick in 2009, debuted for the Washington Nationals at 19 years old. He was so young that a reporter infamously asked him if he’d drink alcohol in Canada, where the drinking age is 18 rather than 21.

Now, Harper is a 32-year-old with two MVPs, eight All-Star nods, and a likely spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. He’s one of the greatest players of his generation, one who helped turn around the Nationals and Phillies following prolonged losing seasons.

Harper is already halfway through the 13-year deal he signed after the 2018 season. He’ll be 39 when his contract ends in 2031, and he’s got no plans of hanging it up anytime soon.

“I want to play longer than what I’ve got left,” Harper recently told The Athletic.

Harper added he wants to play “until his early 40s” and finish his career in Philadelphia.

Harper hit .285 with 30 home runs, 87 RBI, and a .898 OPS for the NL champions last year. His 4.8 bWAR marked the second-highest of his Phillies career, trailing only the 5.9 he had during his 2021 MVP season.

Much has changed for Harper in recent years. He became a full-time first baseman last season and hasn’t played the outfield since 2022. He’s fully transitioned from a teenage phenom to a reliable veteran leader.

Plenty can change quickly, especially as players age. For now, the Phillies should be happy Harper hits third every night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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