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A tense exchange occurred between Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during a meeting between the commissioner and the team, as reported by multiple sources.
Manfred visited Philadelphia to meet with players from the Phillies and Boston Red Sox. The meeting with the Phillies lasted over an hour, during which he discussed the media landscape and the collaborative efforts needed to enhance baseball, according to The Associated Press.
Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper reacts after hitting a home run against Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
At one point, Harper reportedly expressed his displeasure to Manfred by using explicit language, questioning his presence in the clubhouse if the discussion was going to be about the salary cap.
Although Manfred’s visit was not solely focused on the salary cap issue, Harper’s frustration with the economic aspects of the sport was evident, as reported by ESPN. Harper even mentioned that players were prepared to go as far as losing 162 games if a salary cap was proposed by MLB.
Despite Harper’s remarks, Manfred chose to stay and continue the meeting. Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos intervened to defuse the situation, indicating he had additional questions to ask. Harper and Manfred reportedly shook hands before the commissioner’s departure, but Harper declined to respond to subsequent phone calls from him the following day.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks during the Baseball Hall of Fame awards presentation in Cooperstown, N.Y., Saturday, July 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
“It was pretty intense, definitely passionate,” Castellanos told ESPN. “Both of ’em. The commissioner giving it back to Bryce and Bryce giving it back to the commissioner. That’s Harp. He’s been doing this since he was 15 years old. It’s just another day. I wasn’t surprised.”
Both Manfred and Harper opted not to provide further comments, as per ESPN.
Concerns have been raised by some players regarding a potential push for a salary cap by owners, with the current collective bargaining agreement in baseball set to expire on December 1, 2026.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) throws a ball during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Saturday, July 26, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Payroll disparity and declining revenue from regional sports networks have been highlighted as major issues in baseball by Manfred and other owners. It’s worth noting that MLB has never enforced a salary cap.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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