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Phillies Make Bryce Harper Decision Before Padres Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 6:09 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper is in the midst of his fourteenth major-league season after exploding onto the scene with the Washington Nationals as a nineteen-year-old phenom in 2012.

Drafted first overall in 2010, he wasted no time making an impact, sweeping NL Rookie of the Year honors his rookie year.

After seven standout campaigns in Washington—where his blend of power and flair electrified fans—Harper signed a thirteen-year, $330 million deal with Philadelphia in March 2019. Now in his seventh year in Philadelphia, he’s moved from the outfield to first base.

Over the course of his MLB tenure, Harper has earned eight All-Star selections and captured league MVP awards in 2015 and again in 2021.

Harper returned to the Phillies’ lineup Monday against the San Diego Padres, after missing 22 games with right wrist inflammation that landed him on the injured list in early June.

When Tuesday’s game was postponed by rain and shifted into a Wednesday doubleheader, the Phillies decided to give Harper some rest, sitting him for the afternoon game. Otto Kemp will get the call at first base in his place.

Anywho... It's Tugger time!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/NIG2kx7bJw
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 2, 2025

Through 58 games this season, Harper is slashing .256/.370/.442 for an .812 OPS, tallying nine homers, 34 RBIs and eight steals—solid numbers even by his standards. At 32, he remains the heartbeat of the Phillies’ lineup and a veteran leader in the clubhouse.

As Philadelphia turns to the second game of the doubleheader, the club sits at 50–36, holding a two-game lead over the Mets for first place in the NL East.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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