Bryce Harper’s Relationship With Phillies Under Scrutiny as Insider Breaks Down Potential Rafael Devers-Like Fate
It’s been a rocky stretch for Bryce Harper. The 2020 season was supposed to be a fresh start for the former MVP as he entered his second year with the Philadelphia Phillies. After signing a record-breaking 13-year, $330 million contract, expectations were high for Harper to lead the Phillies back to the postseason. However, things didn’t go according to plan.
On the field, Harper struggled to find consistency and didn’t live up to the expectations of being an “elite” player. His batting average dropped to .268, the lowest of his career, and he hit only 13 home runs in 58 games. While injuries and a shortened season could be attributed to his performance, it was still a disappointing season for the 28-year-old outfielder.
But it’s not just his on-field performance that has been scrutinized. Harper’s off-field behavior has also come under the microscope. He publicly pushed back against MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred over salary cap talks and reportedly clashed with Phillies president Dave Dombrowski over team decisions. This raised questions about Harper’s relationship with the Phillies organization and his future with the team.
The tension between Harper and the Phillies has led some to compare his situation to that of Rafael Devers, the Boston Red Sox’s third baseman. Devers, like Harper, was also a highly-touted prospect and signed a long-term contract with his team. However, his performance declined after signing the contract, leading to speculation that he may be traded in the near future.
So, is Harper’s fate with the Phillies following the same path as Devers’? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to note that Harper’s contract is significantly more expensive than Devers’. While Devers signed a 6-year, $25 million contract, Harper’s deal is worth over 13 times that amount. This means that the Phillies have a much bigger investment in Harper and will likely be more patient with him, as they have a lot more to lose by trading him.
Additionally, Harper’s struggles in 2020 can be partly attributed to the strange and unprecedented season. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the entire season, and players had to deal with a delayed start, no fans in the stands, and frequent testing and safety protocols. This could have affected Harper’s performance and may not be a true reflection of his abilities.
Moreover, Harper is still in his prime and has proven in the past that he can be an elite player. He was the youngest player to ever win the NL MVP award in 2015, and has been an All-Star six times in his career. His on-field talent and leadership qualities cannot be denied, and it would be unwise for the Phillies to give up on him after just one subpar season.
But perhaps the most important factor is the Phillies’ new president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski. The veteran executive has a track record of building winning teams and has made it clear that he wants Harper to be a key part of the Phillies’ future. In a recent interview, Dombrowski stated that Harper is “a great player and a great leader” and that he sees him as a long-term piece of the team. This shows that the organization still has faith in Harper and is dedicated to making things work with him.
In conclusion, it’s understandable that there may be some concern about Bryce Harper’s future with the Phillies. But it’s important to remember that it’s still early in his contract, and we should not judge him based on one unusual season. Harper is a talented and passionate player who has shown he can perform at an elite level. With the support of a new, experienced front office and a full season ahead of him, there’s no doubt that Harper will bounce back in 2021 and silence the doubters. Let’s give him the chance to prove himself and show why he was worth every penny of that record-breaking contract.