Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is no stranger to massive contracts. Currently in the middle of a 13-year, $330 million deal that keeps him in Philadelphia through 2031, the two-time MVP is still chasing his first World Series title as he enters his 14th MLB season.
In a recent article by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Harper shared his thoughts on seasonal expectations and the New York Mets handing Juan Soto the largest contract in MLB history.
“It’s the name of the game now,” Harper said. “Guys are getting what they’re worth. It more shocks me that a guy like Aaron Judge didn’t get more than what he got (nine years, $360 million), or certain pitchers. You look at certain players and see what they’re doing, and you can expect them to be in that tier of money.”
When Harper signed his $330 million contract, it was groundbreaking at the time. Now, he recognizes how the market continues to evolve and how baseball’s biggest stars play a key role in bringing championships to their teams.
Later in the article, Harper also discussed embracing his role as a veteran, his determination to bring a title back to Philadelphia, and the increasingly competitive landscape of the National League East.