While the Los Angeles Dodgers won their 101st game of the year in San Diego last night, Bryce Harper’s Philadelphia Phillies helped his former team clinch a Wildcard spot. Indeed, the coincidental match-up between Harper’s current squad and his old one has brought him back into conversations for the all the wrong reasons.
Furthermore, a quote on ESPN Los Angeles Radio sums it up so nicely. Here’s the tweet for the official quote:
"The Dodgers are not necessarily breathing a sigh of relief but they are probably not the least upset that they missed out on him [Bryce Harper]." @TravisRodgers #LABleedsBlue
Listen LIVE on ESPNLA 710 ?https://t.co/Wda75IMccI pic.twitter.com/fjBNs9KVoY
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) September 25, 2019
Without question, someone in the Dodgers’ front office has to be smirking to themselves as Harper prepares for an early winter.
“The Dodgers are not necessarily breathing a sigh of relief but they are probably not the least bit upset that they missed out on Bryce Harper.”
Remember – Los Angeles came so close to signing Harper in the offseason – offering as much as $45 million per season. However, the outfielder opted to sign a 13-year, $330 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Obviously, Harper opted for financial security over an immediate chance to hit in the middle of the lineup for the NL favorite.
Now, how the tide has turned for Los Angeles. By comparison, Cody Bellinger has 46 home runs and is putting the finishing touches on an MVP-caliber season. Still, Los Angeles has found a way to replace the 34 home runs, and .880 OPS that Harper provided Philadelphia with. They will attempt to get to their third straight World Series appearance beginning next week.
As for Harper, he can make plans to prepare for age-27 season while Philadelphia makes a decision whether or not to bring back manager Gabe Kapler.
Clearly the Dodgers dodged an iceberg when Harper decided for the longer contract and went to Philadelphia. Are you happy with the way things played out – or do you wish that Harper would have signed in Los Angeles anyways? Let us know in the comments below!
