Phillies first baseman voices concern over potential MLB lockout

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said owners and players must reach an agreement before a lockout disrupts the 2027 season. Harper spoke Sunday morning at Dodger Stadium after owners and players released initial proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement earlier in the week.

Labor proposals The players' association sought higher minimum salaries, increased luxury-tax thresholds and expansion of a pre-arbitration bonus program. The league proposed a salary cap of $245.3 million, a floor of $171.2 million and a 50/50 revenue split.

Harper's comments "We're coming from two different areas, but we both have to understand our game is in a great position right now to succeed, and we can't lose that momentum," Harper said. He noted that a prolonged dispute could limit gains in attendance, ratings, international appeal and revenue.

Harper said the current system has allowed teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers to maintain high payrolls while also developing players in their farm system. This season shows three top-10 payroll teams near the bottom of the standings and three bottom-10 payroll teams in first place.