Why Is Bryce Harper Already Parting Ways With Philadelphia After Moving in 5 Years Back?

One of the greatest assets for the Philadelphia Phillies is Bryce Harper. Since his acquisition in 2019, the Phillies have built a tantalizing fanbase. This 2x NL MVP has been the star of the Phillies and his contribution to the team remains unmatched. Bryce joined Philadelphia signing a 13-year contract which equates to 2,106 games in the regular season, provided the schedule does not change till 2031. However, while this more-than-a-decade-long commitment is underway, the “elite player” is making a pivotal decision. 

It is not a secret that the Phillies signing Harper was one of the biggest contracts at the time. $330 million went on to become the largest ever recorded until Mike Trout’s contract came into the picture. This hefty salary says something about the Phillies. They wanted him on board at any cost, and they did get him. The feeling was mutual for Harper, too. Then why is he parting ways with Philadelphia? 

Bryce Harper Finds His Loyalty With Phillies in Question

Well, strange things happen in the world of MLB. The chatter about Bryce Harper and Phillies association takes one back to how it all started. His saga from almost being a San Francisco Giant to becoming a hard-core Philadelphia Phillie is rather an interesting one. In early 2019, when Bryce was a free agent, he had one non-negotiable factor in mind. 

He said, “I wanted to be able to go through the ups and downs with a city. I wanted to build my family in a city. I wanted to be instilled into a city, the community, and really let that city know that I’m part of them”. Bryce made it clear that a short contract with trade options and opt-outs was a no-no! Hence, the Los Angeles Dodgers were struck from the list. With that, only 2 options stood. 

As a believer in growing while staying committed, he had to choose between the San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies. Harper and his wife, Kayla Varner, had a sweet, brief exchange before he confirmed to her that they would be moving to Philadelphia.

Money was not a deciding factor for him. He went on, “I’m already a Philadelphia Phillie.’ In my heart, I was already a Philadelphia Phillie. It was nothing against San Francisco. They’re a great organization. It’s a great city. It just came down to what I felt. And by that point, it was Philly”. The rest is history. Isn’t it strange that, despite all that emotion behind his decision, he is planning to relocate? 

With that information nugget, follow-up questions arise. What happens to Philly then? Does he have close friends and family where he is moving? Will he find a suitable community to live in? Well, the world is full of surprises, secrets, and answers. 

Bryce Harper’s Un-Heard of Link To A Place Outside Philly 

Among many lesser-known facts, this one about Harper stands out. This native Las Vegan of the Philadelphia Phillies has ties with a county of Tennessee. Knoxville, the Marble City, in particular. These were two names that one would have never thought to be juxtaposed. However, there is more to this Knoxville-Harper story than one can imagine.

This winter, the Phillies star and his family are said to be moving to Knoxville, as reported by Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. The Las Vegas-born is anticipated to join the bandwagon of major league players who spend their off seasons in Tennessee. But Bryce is not like the other MLB players. 

Harper’s relocation to East Tennessee sets him apart from other MLB players who have made Tennessee their home. Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers and David Price, the former Boston Red Sox, to name a few. Other players have also relocated to Williamson County, in close proximity to the Music City. According to Nightengale, Nashville is generally MLB players’ first choice who look to transfer. Apart from it being the league’s next expansion destination, a lack of individual state income tax, mild winter, and outdoor recreation options add to its strengths.

Though there are advantages to moving, what does this mean for his future with Philadelphia and his fanbase? 

The Future of Harper With the Phillies 

Bryce Harper is not an easy one to let go! Transcending back to 2019, one recalls the noise he made with his Phillies debut. What started as a delight turned into strong roaring cheers when he smashed an amazing homer propelling his new team to an 8-6 win against the Atlanta Braves.

Bryce Harper hit a 1-1 fastball from Braves’ bullpen pitcher Jesse Biddle landing into the second deck at Citizens Bank Park. This counted as a distance of approximately 464 feet from home plate. Harper had a moment of victory to take in. He not only received a standing ovation from the Phillies fans but also inspired a curtain call from his Phillies fans. Fast forward to this day, he has maintained the same vigor. Is he on his way to bagging the World Series trophy?

Read More : Moments After First Step Toward World Series, Phillies’ Bryce Harper Captivates Fans Heart With a Touching Message: “We Are a Family…”

The ongoing division battle has found the Atlanta Braves in a similar situation against the Phillies, as in 2022. On Saturday, the Phillies raised their threat level to a greater height, putting the favorite Braves in a tough spot. Winning Game 1 of the series 3-0, the Phillies had the Braves taste defeat, thanks to Harper’s hostility. At a time when it was tough to show commendable leadership with the game is on the line, Harper showed he could guide his squad to victory. 

Bryce Harper plans to continue with the Philadelphia Phillies despite his move to another city. While they relocate to Knoxville this winter, there is information to be received on the logistics of how he will carry out the 2024 regular season. 

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