The Philadelphia Phillies made their first big move of the offseason by re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million deal. However, with this huge contract, they are simply over budget and may need to let some stars go or trade them.
For Fansided’s Christopher Kline, the most notable star that could be moved is two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, Bryce Harper. While it isn’t the most likely, “the stage has been set”.
“Bryce Harper is a legend in Philadelphia and he's under contract through 2031, so chalk this up as a "remote possibility," rather than an expected outcome. That said, the stage has been set for an eventual breakup. Dave Dombrowski caused quite a stir this offseason when he openly questioned if Harper could return to the superstar heights of old. It was a completely unnecessary and incendiary comment, exacerbated by the Phillies' unwillingness to engage in the contract extension talks that Harper openly campaigns for...Harper won't get traded this offseason, but at some point in the next five years? Don't write it off,” Kline wrote.
In his time with the Phillies, Harper has slashed.281/.386/.526/.912 with 179 home runs and 530 RBI. He was also the MVP of the 2021 season, earned two All-Star selections, and three Silver Sluggers.
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It makes sense that Harper hasn’t gotten extension talks yet, as he’s 33 years old and will be in Philadelphia until he’s 38. Unlike Schwarber, he already has six years left on his contract, to match up with Schwarber’s five.
So, while it is quite unlikely, Harper could be moved to start the next era of Phillies baseball. However, with how his and Schwarber’s contract lines up, it’s more likely some star role players will get the boot.
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