“I know how much it means to him to be in the World Series. It’s a dream. It’s always been his dream,” said Ron Harper, Bryce’s dad, earlier in 2022. The World Series ring has always been Bryce Harper’s ultimate North Star. And yet another season, he fell short of it—despite arguably the strongest roster around him. When, during the end-of-season press conference, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made some pointed remarks about the team’s star first baseman, it immediately stirred speculation about possible internal tension. Let’s just say it also prompted an intriguing reaction from a longtime MLB insider.

New York Post MLB reporter Joel Sherman shared on the Pinstripe Post podcast that he believes Bryce Harper—who signed his 13-year deal before the 2019 season—is now “angry” about that contract.

Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies back in 2019. A contract meant to carry him through 2031. It was also supposed to deliver Philadelphia its first championship since 2008. So far, that dream hasn’t come true.

“Would I be 100% shocked if Bryce Harper got traded this offseason? No,” Sherman said in the podcast. The Yankees are likely among the teams monitoring Harper’s situation. If they come up short on other marquee targets, Bryce Harper could emerge as their ultimate and compelling alternative.

But there’s one issue…

“I continue to wonder if the meaning is the player is unhappy with his contract and this was a kind of side glance back at, ‘I can take some shots here, too.’” Apparently, Sherman believes there seems to be some growing resentment from Bryce Harper’s side.

“I think that this is a player who is angry about the contract he’s currently operating under. And therefore, if you trade for him, are you going to be dealing with, “Hey, man, you have to redo this contract along the whole way”? Sherman said.

Harper reportedly feels underpaid compared to his value and impact. That frustration might be straining his relationship with the Phillies’ front office as they head into another crucial offseason.

Bryce Harper’s frustration echoes past MLB stars like Albert Pujols with the Angels and Robinson Canó with the Mets—players whose long-term deals lost value over time. When Harper signed his 13-year, $330 million contract in 2019, it was groundbreaking, but the market has since shifted. Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million Dodgers deal and Aaron Judge’s $360 million Yankees contract now make Harper’s look undervalued, considering his production and star power.

For the Phillies, 2025 brings a heavy payroll tied up in Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, and J.T. Realmuto. Trading Harper could ease financial strain, but would leave a major leadership and lineup void. The Yankees, meanwhile, need left-handed power to back Aaron Judge, yet any trade talks face a roadblock—Harper’s full no-trade clause, which gives him complete control over his future.

For the record, the Phillies are still fully committed to contending. Sure, moving Bryce Harper could make sense from both a financial and roster standpoint. But what are the realistic chances of Harper moving to New York?

How likely is Bryce Harper to move to the Bronx?

If Bryce Harper and the Phillies do eventually part ways and explore trade options, the Yankees should think twice before making a move.

Look, Bryce Harper is one of the best hitters of his generation and a future Hall of Famer. But the Yankees will probably get more value by using their assets to strengthen other areas of the roster.

No doubt, the Phillies’ star first baseman is still elite at the plate. He’s held a .844 OPS and 27 home runs this past season. However, his age and playing style might give teams pause.

Moreover, the Yankees already have Ben Rice. The young phenom smacked 26 homers with an .836 OPS this season. All while posting some of the most impressive batted ball data.

Let’s say the Harper and Yankees trade gets materialized after all. Even if he moved back to right field, letting Aaron Judge slide over to center. It’s arguable that Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger—both set to become free agents this offseason—would be a better fit for the Yankees than Harper.

The Phillies, anyway, could be hesitant to ship him away.