In an interview with Matt Gelb of The Athletic published Tuesday, Phillies star Bryce Harper said he wants to play until he is 45.
If Harper — who turned 30 last October — hopes to achieve this goal, staying healthy throughout his 30s will be important.
Since signing with the Phillies in 2019, Harper has suffered two long-term injuries — an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery during the 2022 offseason and a broken hand after he was hit by a pitch by San Diego’s Blake Snell last June.
Playing past 40 in the majors is not unusual. Nelson Cruz, who signed a one-year contract with the Padres this offseason, is entering his age-42 season. He probably will serve as a designated hitter this year.
Per MLB.com, the oldest current player in the majors is Pirates pitcher Rich Hill, who’s 43.
Harper’s 13-year contract with the Phillies will expire after his age-38 season, setting him up for free agency at 39. The two-time MVP has made it clear he does not want to play for another team besides Philadelphia.
The Phillies have not had a player older than 38 on their roster since the 2017 season when 39-year-old relief pitcher Joaquín Benoit appeared in 41 games.
