Bryce Harper is undoubtedly one of the most talented and polarizing baseball players in recent memory. While still in high school, he was one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory and has largely fulfilled that promise, winning multiple MVP awards.
In 2019, Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. At the time, it set a record for the longest contract in MLB history and remains one of the most expensive contracts in pro sports.
Harper’s move to Philadelphia came just before the state of Pennsylvania legalized mobile sports betting in May 2019.
Meanwhile, Harper has continued to excel on the field, entertaining Philadelphia sports fans and making the Phillies a championship contender.
About Bryce Harper
Harper took one of the more unique paths to the big leagues, largely because he was a teenage prodigy. As a junior in high school, he got his GED and enrolled in a junior college so that he could make himself eligible for the MLB draft sooner.
A few months before his 18th birthday, the Washington Nationals made him the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft.
From there, it took less than two years for Harper to make his MLB debut, which he did on April 28, 2012. Harper quickly lived up to the hype, as he was named an all-star as a rookie and won National League Rookie of the Year honors.
While there have been some hiccups along the way, more than a decade later, Harper is still one of the biggest stars in baseball. After seven seasons with the Nationals, Harper took his act to Philadelphia, ultimately leading the Phillies to the National League pennant in 2012.
Professional Highlights
As mentioned, Harper became an all-star for the first time as a rookie in 2012. In 2022, he was selected to his seventh All-Star Game. His best season came in 2015 when Harper hit .330 with 42 home runs and a 1.109 OPS.
That year, he won MVP honors for the first time. In 2018, Harper added another trophy to his case by winning the Home Run Derby. During the 2021 season, Harper won MVP honors once again, hitting .309 with 35 home runs and a 1.044 OPS.
Bryce Harper’s Net Worth and Earnings
As of 2026, Long before signing his 13-year, $330 million, contract with the Phillies, Harper had plenty of money in the bank. By his second season in the majors, he was already making $2 million.
In 2017, he passed the eight-figure mark for the first time, making $13.6 million. During his final season in Washington, Harper took home $21.6 million. Throughout his seven years in Washington, Harper made $47.4 million.
During the 2023 season, Harper is making a base salary of $26 million. When combined with his $330 million contract, by the end of the 2031 season, he will have earned $377.4 million in salary. That doesn’t even include all of the endorsement deals he’s signed during his career.
Personal Life
In July 2016, Harper married his longtime girlfriend Kayla Varner. The two started dating in high school, as both grew up in Henderson, Nevada. Varner is also an athlete who played college soccer at Ohio State.
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After getting married in 2016, the couple welcomed their first child in 2019 and their second child in 2020.
FAQs
Who is Bryce Harper?
Bryce Harper is an American professional baseball player. He plays first base, outfield, and designated hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies in Major League Baseball (MLB). Harper is known for his powerful hitting and was considered a baseball prodigy from a young age.
When and where was Bryce Harper born?
Bryce Harper was born on October 16, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is currently 31 years old.
What are some of Bryce Harper’s major achievements?
Harper has won the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) award twice, in 2015 and 2021. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2012. He’s been selected for the All-Star team multiple times and has won several Silver Slugger awards. He was also part of the Philadelphia Phillies team that won the National League pennant in 2022.
What teams has Bryce Harper played for?
Harper has played for two MLB teams. He started his career with the Washington Nationals, playing for them from 2012 to 2018. In 2019, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, where he plays.
What’s special about Bryce Harper’s contract with the Phillies?
2019 Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. At the time, it was the largest contract in North American sports history, though it’s since been surpassed.
Is Bryce Harper married?
Yes, Bryce Harper is married to Kayla Varner. They were high school sweethearts and got married in December 2016. They have two children together and are expecting their third.
What position does Bryce Harper play?
Harper has played various positions throughout his career. He started as an outfielder but has also played first baseman and designated hitter. As of 2024, he’s primarily playing first base for the Phillies.
What are some of Bryce Harper’s career statistics?
As of the 2024 season, Harper has hit over 300 home runs and has a career batting average of around .280. He’s known for his high on-base and slugging percentages, consistently ranking among the league leaders in these categories.
Has Bryce Harper ever won a World Series?
As of 2024, Bryce Harper has not won a World Series. The closest he’s come was in 2022 when the Phillies made it to the World Series but lost to the Houston Astros.
What’s interesting about Bryce Harper’s background?
Harper is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). He left high school early to attend the College of Southern Nevada to accelerate his baseball career. The Nationals drafted him first overall in 2010 at just 17 years old, making him one of the most hyped prospects in MLB history.
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