Phillies star Bryce Harper doesn’t expect to play baseball in 2027

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, a two-time NL MVP, is foreseeing a lengthy offseason due to the ongoing MLB players' union negotiations. In a TikTok post, Harper responded to fan comments suggesting the offseason is always long for him, stating, “It will be this year.” The MLB collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players union is set to expire on December 1, 2026, with a lockout expected at that time.

The central issue of contention is the implementation of a salary cap, with owners proposing a cap of $245.3 million and a payroll floor of $171.2 million. The players, however, strongly oppose a salary cap, with MLBPA interim executive director Bruce Meyer calling it detrimental to player interests. Harper has been vocal about his opposition to a cap and has previously expressed frustration with league officials during meetings.

The uncertainty surrounding the lockout and the potential postponement of the 2027 season has left Harper and other players bracing for a long wait before they can return to playing baseball.