Bryce Harper is a Badass and I'm Still Pissed the Cubs Didn't Sign Him

At the end of Game 2 of the NLDS, Bryce Harper was doubled off first base after Michael Harris II robbed Nick Castellanos with an incredible catch at the wall in center field and then Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia said the following in the clubhouse...

Well, Game 3 of the series between NL East rivals was in Philadelphia and Harper gave the Phillies a 4-1 lead in the third inning with a three-run bomb to right field. While trotting around the bases, Harper stared a hole through Arcia's soul.

And then Harper did it again after his second homer of the night in the fifth inning.

Following the 10-2 Phillies win, the Braves were pissed off at the media for supposedly leaking what Arcia said in the clubhouse. I kind of get it because the clubhouse is that safe space for players to be in, however, this wasn't something that was said from one guy to the other and then told to a reporter to not say it publicly. Arcia making fun of Harper was said in front of a bunch of reporters as media availability in the clubhouse was happening.

By the way, Arcia's comment was the most benign, light-hearted trash talk. "Ha-ha, atta-boy Harper." But that's why Bryce Harper is fucking badass. A psycho. That's Michael Jordan level. Taking one little comment and making that your number one motivation.

Harper is now up to 9 home runs in 22 playoff games with the Phillies. Since 2019, Harper has a combined slash line of .284/.395/.536, with a 144 wRC+. He was second MVP and first with the Phillies in 2021. He signed a 13-year deal worth $330 million, which comes out to a little more than $25 million per year.

I still cannot believe the Chicago Cubs never actively tried to sign this man. There is no explanation. There are no good excuses. It remains one of the worst mistakes in franchise history. $25 million a year for a superstar and the Cubs didn't even try. Yeah, I'm still pissed off that ownership didn't give the green light to go all-in for Bryce Harper after 2018 and I bet 28 other fan bases are feeling the same way.