Bryce Harper News Emerges After Phillies' NLDS Loss to Dodgers

Although Philadelphia will have to make many decisions in constructing the roster for 2026, the team will still have Harper under team control for six more seasons after he signed a 13-year, $330 million deal in 2019. The 32-year-old veteran transitioned to first base in 2023 to give the team more flexibility with roster construction. Now in just his second full season at the position, he has been named a Gold Glove Award finalist for the second straight year following an announcement from Rawlings Baseball. This is an impressive feat considering he spent the first 11 seasons of his career in the outfield.

The Phillies congratulated Harper on X for the nomination: “Congratulations to Bryce on being named a Rawlings Gold Glove Award finalist."

If Harper takes home the award, it would mark the first Gold Glove of his career. While he has long been recognized for his offensive production as a four-time Silver Slugger Award winner, earning a Gold Glove would further cement his status as a complete playery.

Harper graded out as an above average fielder according to Statcast’s Baseball Savant, which had him listed at 1 Outs Above Average, a metric that compares a player to league average at the position. That mark placed Harper among the more reliable defenders at first base, especially impressive given his limited experience at the position.

His smooth transition from the outfield has allowed the Phillies to optimize their lineup while maintaining strong defensive play at a key corner spot. As the team looks ahead to 2026, Harper’s versatility remains a valuable asset.