CLEARWATER, Fla. – Just over two years ago, five Phillies officials flew across the country on a private jet to meet Bryce Harper in a 21st-floor suite at the Aria, Las Vegas, and presented their vision for the organization. Harper was committed to that vision, and then it was all reversed by two years after his 13-year contract. For Harper, it can be troubling because he is now 28 and has played in 19 postseason games in his career – none since 2017.
The Phillies were out of control in November. Harper spoke to people in the organization. His fears grew. The talk about reducing payroll was real, and owner John Middleton had only just begun to find a new baseball operations leader.
The franchise lacked an identity and Harper wondered what its future would be.