MLB fans mock Bryce Harper as injured star says he can play until the age of 45: "He's not even playing in April"

Bryce Harper took the weight of his entire team on his shoulders, hitting six home runs and 13 RBIs as his Philadelphia Phillies made it to the World Series last season for the first time in 14 years.

Harper put forth an exquisite performance from the DH slot. Last May, elbow issues led the Phillies to close the book on Harper's outfield appearance, fearing more damage.

The damage, however, was already done. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Harper underwent Tommy John surgery to fix his elbow once and for all. Unfortunately, the procedure also meant that he would miss at least the first half of the 2023 campaign.

Bryce Harper recently revealed to The Athletic writer Matt Gelb that he thinks he can play until he is 45. Harper cited the city of Philadelphia and the fans there as his main inspirations.

Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Bryce Harper says he believes he can play until he's 45

(via @MattGelb)

1532

72

Bryce Harper says he believes he can play until he's 45

(via @MattGelb) https://t.co/Hp9YFvjsL1

"Bryce Harper says he believes he can play until he's 45. (via @MattGelb)" - Talkin' Baseball

Although fans love seeing Harper in action, many are skeptical that he can last that long and still be relevant in the MLB. For context, the oldest player in the 2023 season will be Pittsburgh Pirates' Rich Hill, who is 43.

J.D. - Jacob Liss

@DingersLiss

@NeedMypadreNews @TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb I say we give him it. :)

1

@NeedMypadreNews @TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb I say we give him it. :)

19Nineteen19

@biggsyNC

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb If he keeps getting half seasons off, he’s probably right.

1

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb If he keeps getting half seasons off, he’s probably right.

Bryce Harper made his MLB debut for the Washington Nationals in 2012, and hit .270/.340/.477 with 22 home runs and 59 RBIs to win the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Mets Brother

@DrMurphPhd

@TalkinBaseball_ @draftniks @MattGelb He’s not even playing in April

29

@TalkinBaseball_ @draftniks @MattGelb He’s not even playing in April

Tommy Hawkchopper

@TomahawkChop21

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb He would worry about playing at 30 first

1

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb He would worry about playing at 30 first

After following up his success by winning the 2014 NL MVP Award, Harper signed a long-term deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019 that will see the Las Vegas native earn $330 million by 2031.

Base, Ball & Chain Podcast

@baseballchain

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb Ask again in 10 years

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb Ask again in 10 years

billy

@billmartin187

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb 14 more years

31

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb 14 more years https://t.co/tgCyDPT9id

Currently 30, Harper will be under contract with the Phillies until he is 39. Some have claimed that he will need a big extension like the $300 million extension given to Manny Machado by the San Diego Padres earlier this offseason.

padre Lover

@NeedMypadreNews

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb Bro wants a machado deal so bad

31

@TalkinBaseball_ @MattGelb Bro wants a machado deal so bad

​

Although Bryce Harper is one of the best, 45 remains a tall task

Of the top 10 oldest players in the MLB in 2023, seven of them are pitchers. The oldest hitter, Nelson Cruz, will turn 43 this season. As the saying goes: it's better to burn out than to fade away.

Harper is still recovering from surgery, and the Phillies have referenced the July All-Star break as a probable return point for the outfielder.

​