Phillies

‘Sign Him!' Harper Earns Right to Speak Mind on Realmuto's Contract Status

Bryce Harper provided the first memorable moment of Phillies summer camp on Wednesday afternoon. 

It wasn't with a swing or a web gem, but rather it was two words that has everyone talking.

"Sign him!" 

That's what Harper exclaimed as he returned to the dugout following a home run by J.T. Realmuto in an intrasquad game. 

Harper can claim to be a five-tool player, but you might be able to add a sixth tool to the arsenal because he's been as effective a representative for Realmuto in contract negotiations as Jeff Berry, Realmuto's agent. 

In addition to Wednesday's on-field statement, Harper donned a t-shirt with Realmuto's name and number during his initial workouts at Citizens Bank Park earlier this month. While Harper denied sending a message to the front office with his wardrobe, he did acknowledge that it would be "terrible and sad" if the Phillies were to lose Realmuto in free agency this offseason. 

If you want to argue that Harper's actions and statement are an admirable attempt to help a teammate to a large pay day, that's fair. It's also likely that Harper views retaining Realmuto as the best path towards contention for the ballclub. 

The Phillies would be naive if they did not expect Harper to have a significant voice in team construction when they inked him to a 13-year, $330 million deal last year. Although it's fair to assume they would prefer if Harper wasn't hurting their negotiating position.  

Either way, a player of Harper's stature and salary certainly has the right to speak his mind on roster matters.  

Let's say Realmuto and the Phillies agree to a record-setting contract extension for a catcher. That would make the All-Star backstop the third nine-figure player on the Phillies' payroll (Harper and Zack Wheeler). Keep in mind, this is an organization without a winning season since 2011 and that looks to be several key pieces away from true contention. 

Who knows where the Phillies will find themselves four years down the road? It's possible Harper and Realmuto will have taken a late October ride or two down Broad Street in that time. It's also possible that the club will have failed to take the next step in their development, the young pieces never reaching the level needed to contend. At that stage, the club could lack the flexibility to improve due its significant financial obligations. 

If the latter happens, let's be clear: Harper has forfeited the right to justifiably complain about a perceived lack of commitment or a feeling of being misled about the intentions of ownership. It might be hyperbole to suggest the former NL MVP is forcing the Phillies' hand with Realmuto, but he's certainly making it known how he wants the team built. 

Harper does not appear to be that type of person that will turn on the Phillies if things do not go as hoped, but we've all been down this road before with unhappy superstars across the sporting landscape. 

It might not be an issue for today, but there's a chance that day just may come.  

Stay tuned.

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Bryce Harper has earned right to speak his mind on J.T. Realmuto's contract status originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

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