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Bryce Harper seemingly continues to drop hints of his frustration of being a Washington National. On Saturday, the Nationals lost the third of a four-game series against the Miami Marlins after J.T. Realmuto hit a walk-off RBI-single in the 10th inning. This comes after a report that the Nationals and Marlins remain in discussion for a trade that would send Realmuto to the Nats.
So after the tough loss, Harper was asked about the walk-off single by Realmuto and the six-time all-star dropped an interesting response that will certainly fuel chatter (like this) about the impending separation between he and the Nats this winter.
“If that guy was on our side, that wouldn’t have happened,” Harper bluntly stated per Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post.
Harper and the Nats dropped to 52-52 on the season. Harper’s answer was compelling considering the events that led to Realmuto’s game-winning hit.
Magneuris Sierra led off the inning with a bunt single. Then Miguel Rojas tried for a sacrifice, however, he collided with Nats catcher Spencer Kieboom as he left the box. Home plate umpire Tim Timmons awarded Rojas first base for obstruction. Brian Anderson dropped a single to load the bases, setting up Realmuto’s heroics. All of this came off reliever Kelvin Herrera.
So for Harper to blame the loss on not having Realmuto on the roster is asinine and just a way for him to nitpick on the missteps the Nats have taken this season. Ironically, it’s Harper who seemingly backs the front office’s most questionable move, the hiring of manager Dave Martinez.
It’s hard to truly gauge what’s the mindset of Harper in regards to playing in Washington no matter what Martinez has said. However, little nuggets like Saturday night’s quote points in the direction of Harper trying to find reasons to justify a departure.
