

Harper met after last season with Middleton, letting the owner know what he thought needed to be done after a disappointing season. The Phillies signed Harper last year to the richest free-agent contract in baseball history, making an investment that gives weight to his words. But you know when that time comes then (general manager Matt) Klentak and (John) Middleton will make that decision and hopefully he’s back in Phillies red.” “I want him more than anything, so I mean it’s something we need to make happen as an organization. “Of course it’s shut down, but I don’t think anybody should fear us not getting J.T. It’s fair to be worried that the Phillies could lose the All-Star catcher, but Harper - the player with the loudest voice on the roster - is not concerned. The only thing the Phillies can do is wait, knowing they are losing what should have been an exclusive time to negotiate with perhaps their most important player.
WHATEVER HAPPENED WITH BRYCE HARPER CONTRACT FREE
Major League Baseball’s roster freeze is preventing the Phillies from discussing a deal with Realmuto, who will become a free agent next offseason even if no games are played in 2020.Įach day places Realmuto closer to free agency.
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The coronavirus pandemic has not only suspended the season, but it has barred teams from negotiating contract extensions. And now that awesome teammate could be Realmuto’s biggest advocate as the Carl Albert High School alum moves closer to free agency. Harper, Realmuto said, is an awesome teammate. The former rivals grew so close they moved their lockers next to each other, their wives became friends, and Harper told everyone that Realmuto was his “favorite player.” Harper, Realmuto said on MLB Network after last season, is “one of the most misunderstood people in baseball.” Whatever he heard about Harper was untrue. Was the $330 million superstar a diva? Did Harper care more about his personal brand than the team? Did he even want to win? Would he play hard? Realmuto played against Bryce Harper for five years, but those seasons as division rivals did not allow the catcher to know what to expect last spring when the Phillies signed Harper three weeks after trading for Realmuto.
