Bryce Harper is in his fifth season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The two-time NL MVP has enjoyed his time in the City of Brotherly Love. But before he donned a Phillies uniform, he started his career with the Washington Nationals. Therefore his recent comment meant to praise Philadelphia surely will infuriate some Nationals fans.
“I wish I started my career here,” Harper said about playing in front of the Phillies’ fan base, per Bob Wankel of Crossed Up: A Phillies Podcast.
Again, the context provided behind the comment was more about his praise of the Philly fans. However, the fact remains he played six seasons with the Nationals. He was the face of the franchise after the Nats drafted him first overall in the 2010 MLB Draft.
Harper won NL Rookie of the Year, his first NL MVP, and was a six-time All-Star with the Nationals. He also claimed a Home Run Derby title. When he left for the Phillies in free agency, Nats fans blamed ownership more than Harper and his agent Scott Boras — a luxury that Juan Soto didn’t get, and Soto got traded.
The Nationals’ rivalry with the Phillies has grown intense since the club moved from Montreal to D.C. If there was any frustration at Harper beforehand, it was because he chose to sign with the hated Phillies. Sunday’s comments will give another reason.
Harper seemingly has now embraced the Philadelphia culture. The pairing didn’t have a great start. He misspoke during his Philly introductory press conference, proclaiming, “We want to bring a title back to D.C.“
Indirectly he did. Nats fans will have some solace in the fact that Harper’s departure worked out for Washington. The Nats won the franchise’s first World Series title in Harper’s first year away from the club.
Bryce Harper doesn’t yet have a World Series title, but he came close last year. The Phillies won the NL pennant before losing to the Houston Astros in six games.
Barring some unforeseen change, Harper will play more games in a Phillies uniform than he did as a member of the Nationals. His career will ultimately associate with the Phillies. Thus, his latest comments wishing his career started in Philadelphia shouldn’t be so astonishing.
