Phillies History: Signing Bryce Harper altered the course of the franchise

Six years ago, the Philadelphia Phillies began their climb out of a dark period for the franchise by landing one of the premier superstars of the sport. While the news broke on Feb. 28, they officially signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million contract with no opt-outs on March 2, 2019, and things started to turn around for a team that had played six consecutive losing seasons.

Harper, the first overall draft pick in 2010 by the division rival Washington Nationals, spent the first seven years of his MLB career tormenting the Phillies. He brought a .279 batting average and .900 OPS, a Rookie of the Year Award, six All-Star appearances and the 2015 NL MVP with him to Philadelphia.

Phillies History: Signing Bryce Harper altered the course of the franchise

In his six seasons in red pinstripes, Harper has accumulated a .285 average and a .924 OPS with 152 home runs and 455 RBI in 726 games. He won the 2021 NL MVP, three Silver Sluggers, and was named to two All-Star teams in 2022 and 2024.

Since Harper arrived in Philly, the team has signed multiple big-name free agents, setting the stage for the team's success over the past few seasons. From Zack Wheeler to Kyle Schwarber to Trea Turner, the Phillies now boast a stable of decorated veterans at the core of the roster.

Now 32, Harper battled injuries in 2022. He only played 99 games but still helped the Phillies reach the postseason for the first time in 10 years. The face of the franchise has authored plenty of big moments in Philadelphia, but none bigger than his 2022 NLCS Game 5 home run, which famously caused “Bedlam at the Bank.”

Harper also caused pandemonium during the 2023 playoffs, when he launched two well-timed home runs and a pair of staredowns in Game 3 of the NLDS against the rival Atlanta Braves. In three postseasons as a Phillie, Harper has put together a .325 average and a 1.153 OPS with 12 homers and 24 RBI in 34 games.

On top of his on-field performance, Harper has become known as the "King of Pandering" while in Philadelphia, and Phillies fans eat it up. Harper has gone from public enemy No. 1 to a fan favorite, partly thanks to his vocal love of Philly and his bromance with the Phillie Phanatic.

From accessorizing with Phanatic-themed cleats, headbands and running mitts, just to name a few, to appearing in team promos with the Phillies’ lovable mascot, Harper has embraced it all — the Phanatic, the Phillies organization and the city.

While you can argue about the merits of extending the team’s superstar, there’s one thing that Harper has made clear: he wants to be a Phillie for life. His newest tattoo proves as much, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

It remains to be seen whether Harper will indeed lead the Phillies to their third World Series title in franchise history. Still, one thing’s for sure: his decision to sign in Philadelphia helped change the course of the franchise, ushering in a new, exciting era of Phillies baseball.