Bryce Harper reveals how long he wants to play

Sports


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.





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