Bryce Harper signed a $330 million, 13-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies back in 2019.
The thinking at the time was that this deal would be mutually beneficial.
Philly would be happy because Harper would help the organization return to the postseason. Harper would be happy because he would be a foundational piece with a franchise he actually liked.
So far, neither side has gotten what they wanted out of the agreement.
On Sunday, following another disappointing campaign that saw Philly miss the playoffs for the ninth straight year, an exasperated Harper demanded that his front office re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Tyler Herro is on an impressive winning streak. https://t.co/50yQdqambq
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 28, 2020
“J.T. Realmuto needs to be our catcher next year — plain and simple,” he decreed.
“He’s the best catcher in baseball,” Harper continued.
“He’s the best-hitting catcher in baseball. Our guys love to throw to him if that’s [Zack] Wheeler, if that’s [Aaron] Nola, if that’s anybody.
“Anybody that’s the best at their position — hitting and fielding — needs to be signed and that is J.T. Realmuto. I don’t think that should even be a question. There’s going to be two teams or three teams in the NL East who are going to go after that guy and if that happens, I mean, that’s going to be tough to swallow for us.”
Interesting choice. https://t.co/tI9pz5FRua
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 28, 2020
This past February, Philadelphia came out on top in arbitration with Realmuto. A panel agreed with their $10 million offer to the 29-year-old.
Over the course of a shortened 2020 campaign, Realmuto recorded a .266 batting average with 32 RBIs and 11 home runs.
While Harper’s steadfast position regarding Realmuto is understandable and not incorrect, the way he is going about it speaks to the palpable sense of frustration emanating from the Phillies right now.
The Phillies were supposed to be better than they currently are – and it’s a problem that neither Harper nor the rest of the organization can fix what is ailing them.
Moreover, fans are clearly getting frustrated. The responses on Twitter to Harper’s comments regarding Realmuto were telling.
Well, if Harper wasn’t eating up so much salary – might actually be possible.
— John Anderson (@MrMet33) September 27, 2020
Did anyone ask if they should keep Harper around?
— Erik (@Erik_Rogers_) September 27, 2020
Primadonna that will never win anything. Needed him out of Washington in order to win a pennant! Good riddance!
— Mark E. Jones (@bballjones743) September 28, 2020
Someone tell Bryce Harper he’s a loser. Washington won when he left because he’s a cancer in the clubhouse.
— Nick Kacoyanis (@Nick_kacos) September 27, 2020
But he will comment on what the GM should do? JT gonna be a Met though.
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) September 28, 2020
Ringing endorsement
— Norm (@jnkiii) September 27, 2020
Whatever happens with Realmuto – the Phillies are a mess right now.
Fans deserve the truth. https://t.co/RiUv9jc7V4
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 28, 2020
Until they get to the true root of why this franchise has been so underwhelming for so long, it doesn’t really matter who they sign to be their catcher.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
