Bryce Harper: "I Grew up a Yankee Fan My Whole Life, Everybody Knew That." Yankees BIG Miss

by Felix Pantaleón

Bryce Harper has picked up right where he left off last postseason, showcasing his electrifying talent as he led the Phillies to a resounding victory over Atlanta in the NLDS. With 19 at-bats, Harper amassed seven hits, including three impressive home runs and five crucial RBIs. These stellar performances have further solidified his postseason legacy, boasting career averages of a 0.285 batting average, 0.384 on-base percentage (OBP), and a staggering 1.017 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS).

Though Bryce Harper’s journey has been intertwined with the Phillies, it’s a tale that the Yankees wish they could rewrite. Despite his long-standing admiration for the pinstripes, Harper’s dreams of donning the iconic uniform never materialized. In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, he fondly recalled witnessing Yankee legends like Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Jorge Posada grace the field at the Bronx, a testament to his deep-rooted passion for the team.

Bryce Harper: “I grew up a Yankee fan my whole life everybody knew that, I grew up watching some really good Yankee teams…Bernie, Jeter, Posada, I loved those teams”

Thank you, Brian Cashman🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/PBDtSFtONu

— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) October 13, 2023

The decision not to pursue Harper in 2019 reverberates through Yankee lore. The blockbuster $325 million deal for Giancarlo Stanton in 2018 and subsequent trade set the stage for a narrative that will forever be debated in hindsight. Meanwhile, Harper inked a monumental 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, a move that would redefine his career trajectory and ultimately elevate him into the ranks of baseball’s elite.

Since joining the Phillies, Harper has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the game, amassing an impressive OPS of .931 over four seasons. His ability to deliver under pressure in the postseason further cements his status as one of the most clutch hitters in MLB history. While Giancarlo Stanton has also showcased postseason prowess, boasting a formidable .963 OPS across 27 playoff games, Harper’s impact remains undeniable.

Brian Cashman indicated that Bryce Harper isn’t a fit for the #Yankees. Said the team already has six outfielders and that playing Harper at first base isn’t realistic.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 10, 2018

Bryce Harper now finds himself poised to make a second consecutive appearance in the NLCS. Last season, the Phillies triumphed over the Padres to earn a coveted spot in the World Series, ultimately falling short against the Astros in a hard-fought six-game series. As Philadelphia prepares to face off against the formidable D-Backs, anticipation is palpable, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating showdown on the diamond.