In 2018, when he was in his last season playing for the Washington Nationals, Bryce Harper was the talk of the town.
For what? Because the upcoming free agent was about to sign a record contract. He ultimately obtained $330 million over 13 years.
The player signed in Philadelphia, but we all know that it was in New York, with the Bombardiers, that he really wanted to sign in the first place. But that didn’t happen.
In fact, as The Athletic reminds us, the Yankees didn’t even speak to Bryce Harper during his free agent process, which is pretty crazy.
The Vegas native grew up watching the Yankees play and he wanted to sign in New York. He was even seen practicing at first base late in the season in 2018, which fueled speculation.
After all, Harper couldn’t necessarily play outfield in New York since the club was overflowing with outfielders at the time.
But OK. The Yankees, at the moment, find themselves with a hole offensively and when we know that Harper wanted to fill this position, it must hurt.
In preparation for the 2018 season, the Yankees acquired Giancarlo Stanton and his huge contract. The club could still have gone for Harper, who would undoubtedly have agreed to go to first base for NY.
The Yankees didn’t believe in his potential at first base, from what we understand, and didn’t want to spend his money that much. The Bryce Harper of 2023 shows us he can adapt.
As we know, Harper is a star who is not afraid of cameras and pressure. The New York market wouldn’t have been too big for him.
It responds well to that of Philly fans, who are something.
But OK. Too bad for the Yankees: it was in Philly that the player, who was really good, became a huge star and an important face of baseball.
- Will the Rangers finally win the World Series?
- Marcus Semien’s wife gave birth to a baby girl.
- Taking your club to the championship series in your first two seasons is something.
