What could have been? For Chicago Cubs’ owner Tom Ricketts, this question lingers especially when it comes to one of the biggest ‘what-if’ moment in recent memory  – Bryce Harper. Recently Ricketts admitted to reflecting on the Cubs’ failed pursuit of the Phillies’ superstar, a decision that still sticks with him, years later.

“We spent a lot of time thinking about what Bryce Harper is worth as a free agent,” Ricketts revealed. It wasn’t a matter of not wanting him, but rather the cost of locking up a player of Harper’s magnitude. The Cubs were all in on rebuilding, but the chance to land one of the best players in the game slipped away.

Harper, who eventually signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019 on a 13-year $330 million deal. But for Ricketts, the regret of not pulling the trigger on that deal has lingered, as he thinks about what could have been for the Cubs’ future. “It’s one that we kicked around that obviously we never executed on,” Ricketts added echoing the feeling that they had a real shot but ultimately didn’t go for it.

For the Cubs, it felt like one of those situations where the perfect player might be right in front of them, but the timing was just off. They were focused on other priorities – building a competitive team for the future, rather than diving into the deep end with a signing.

Looking back now, with Harper becoming the face of Phillies’ resurgence and a key player in their World Series run, Ricketts cant do anything but reflect on the missed opportunity. The Cubs have had their share of success since, but there’s always that question: what would it have been like if Harper had joined the team?

While Ricketts may never get the answer to this question, one thing is certain: the memory of the near-miss with Bryce Harper will haunt the Cubs’ owner for years to come!

Bryce Harper: the dark horse contender for NL MVP

In a league like the National League, which is full of headline-grabbers, Bryce Harper might be just the one who sneaks up and claims the NL MVP in 2025! While teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves dominate offseason chatter, Harper, a two-time MVP is quietly preparing to remind everyone just how good he is.

Harper has always excelled under pressure, and 2025 might be no different. While other teams might be making the headlines due to offseason moves, Harper has a unique opportunity to lead the Phillies. And prove they are still the top contender for the NL. Last year, the 32-year-old had a stellar season.

Posting an 0.898 OPS, racking 30 homers, and driving in 87 RBIs. His 96th percentile Batting Run-Value and 87th percentile Hard Hit% highlight his elite power-hitting ability. So to secure his third MVP, Harper would need to elevate his game even further. He will face the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts.

A significant increase in production is key, but that’s entirely possible if teammates like Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber maintain consistent performances. With a tough NL division ahead, the Phillies will need all their stars firing on all cylinders to defend their 2024 division title.

Could this be the season he reminds everyone of his greatness and captures his third MVP? Only time will tell!