Bryce Harper, the Phillies first baseman since 2019, shared on The Pat McAfee Show that he came close to joining a different team before signing with Philadelphia. The discussion took place as Team USA prepared in Scottsdale, Arizona, for the World Baseball Classic starting March 5. Harper revealed that his biggest competition came from the San Francisco Giants during his free agency in 2018.
Decision Influenced by Giants Manager’s Retirement Announcement
Harper explained that he was deciding between the Phillies, Giants, and the San Diego Padres, but what swayed his choice was the retirement announcement of then-Giants manager Bruce Bochy. Harper described Bochy as “the greatest of all time” and said his impending retirement heavily impacted his decision.
The thing that killed me was Bochy was retiring. I mean, he’s the greatest of all time.
— Bryce Harper, Phillies first baseman
Harper’s Contract and Career Highlights with the Phillies
Ultimately, Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies on March 2, 2019, marking it as the biggest free-agent deal in baseball history at that time. Although Bochy initially retired after the 2019 season, he later returned to manage the Texas Rangers from 2023 through 2025. Over seven seasons with Philadelphia, Harper has achieved a .281 batting average, hit 179 home runs, driven in 530 RBIs, won the National League MVP in 2021, earned three Silver Slugger awards, and made two All-Star appearances.
Significance of Harper’s Team Choice and Future Outlook
Harper’s explanation sheds light on the importance of leadership stability in a player’s team decision, especially when Bochy’s retirement announcement nearly diverted him to the Giants. His commitment to the Phillies helped solidify Philadelphia’s lineup, and with Harper still active, his contributions will continue to shape the team’s performance in the coming seasons.
"It came down to the Phillies and the Giants..
It was close but Bruce Bochy was retiring"@bryceharper3 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/TYsdVpqXhO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 2, 2026
