Did Bryce Harper just upstage the Philadelphia Phillies on purpose?
It definitely wasn't an easy offseason for Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper, who is now at odds with team president Dave Dombrowski after the executive said that Harper was no longer an elite player.
Harper took the comments to heart, saying he was hurt by them and then donning a shirt that read "Not Elite" while working out. He also touched on the remarks again recently when prompted by the Associated Press and during an appearance on the Bussin' Wit the Boys podcast.
It's very clear that Harper was offended, and during the Phillies' exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, the two-time NL MVP exposed some news Philadelphia probably wishes he kept to himself.
In the middle of a dugout interview with NBC Sports as the game was in progress, Harper revealed that top Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller is dealing with an injury and that Harper hopes Miller can get back on the field soon.
Philadelphia's organization had not yet said anything about Miller, which resulted in manager Rob Thomson having to answer questions about the youngster postgame.
Thomson divulged that Miller was dealing with some back soreness and that it doesn't seem to be anything serious.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images."We’re just being super cautious with him, obviously, this early in camp," Thomson said after the game, via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "He’s just getting treatment."
Surely, the Phillies are not too thrilled that Harper let the cat out of the bag, and you have to wonder if Harper did it intentionally ... or if he was knowingly careless with his words.
After all, Dombrowski basically criticized Harper publicly, so perhaps Harper feels there is no longer any need to keep things in house?
It may have just been an innocent slip of the tongue by Harper, but it's very rare that you have players expose injuries regarding teammates.
Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia back in February 2019. He won his second MVP award in 2021 (his first came with the Washington Nationals in 2015) after slashing .309/.429/.615 with 35 home runs, 42 doubles and 84 RBI.
While the 33-year-old has been solid since, he has not come close to replicating that production. Last season, Harper slashed .261/.357/.487 with 27 homers and 75 RBI across 580 plate appearances.
There is no question that Harper is still a good player, but he may no longer be the top-flight superstar he once was in his younger years.
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