Philadelphia, brace yourselves — this one stings.
In a surprisingly honest revelation that’s sure to rattle some cages, Phillies superstar Bryce Harper confessed that before signing his record-breaking deal in 2019, the team at the top of his wish list wasn’t Philadelphia. It was the Chicago Cubs.
Yes, you read that right.
In an exclusive with The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney, the two-time NL MVP didn’t hold back: “Going into that offseason, they were the No. 1 team on my list — without a doubt,” Harper admitted, referring to the Cubs.
At the time, it made sense. The Phillies were in a slump, having missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons. Meanwhile, the Cubs were still riding high from their 2016 World Series win, and Harper had a close bond with their third baseman Kris Bryant — a fellow Las Vegas native and long-time friend.
“Fans will have fun with this,” Harper said, acknowledging the buzz his comments would create. “But it was real. I really thought about playing in Wrigley. I talked about it seriously.”
Even more surprising? He had a strong meeting with the Chicago White Sox too. But ultimately, those options fizzled — and fate brought him to Philly.
And what a blessing that turned out to be.
Despite the initial hesitation, Harper signed a historic 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. Fast forward to now, and it’s clear the move changed everything. He’s racked up a 2021 NL MVP award, earned NLCS MVP honors in 2022, helped deliver three straight postseason runs — including a World Series appearance — and become the heart and soul of the Phillies’ resurgence.
Harper was quick to set the record straight about where he stands today.
“Obviously, I’m extremely happy in Philly,” he emphasized. “I love the city, the fans, the passion — I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But back then, before all of this, the Cubs were where I thought I’d land.”
It’s a reminder that behind every big signing is a story — and sometimes, it’s not the one fans expect.