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25-year-old Bryce Harper (yes, he is still just 25) has played in 927 regular season games for the Washington Nationals. Sunday’s 12-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies may have been his last for the team.
Harper, already a six-time All-Star, who has also won the National League Rookie of the Year and MVP awards, is set to test the free agent market this coming offseason.
After going 2-for-4 with a double, Harper gave an emotional interview with MASN’s Dan Kolko and was asked what he was thinking as he went to the plate for his last at-bat of the game, and perhaps his career as a Nat.
“It’s tough. Getting a little emotional right now, because you never know. I was happy to be able to go up there and hit a double, write it off like that,” said Harper. “If I’m back, I’d love to be. If I’m not then you know, we’ll see what happens.”
Harper also expressed his gratitude to the fans for all the support they have shown him over the past six years.
“I just want to thank them. They were the ones to give me my first standing [ovation], being able to hit a walk-off homer and them cheering me. They show up every single night, day-in and day-out they were with us,” said Harper. “From the first time I stepped foot in that stadium they had my back, they were behind me and I can’t thank them enough. I love D.C. and that’s what it’s all about.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSBb6iJ6d_A
Later, in the locker room, Harper again met with the media, where he once again mentioned “the young guys” on the team. He’s 25.
Harper also claimed that he was trying to treat this offseason like any other offseason. An offseason that could see him sign a new contract worth as much as $400 million.
As for what the team is planning with regard to Harper, General Manager Mike Rizzo says they plan to try to keep him in the fold.
“Of course he’s in our plans,” Rizzo said to MLB.com. “He’s a guy we would love to have. He’s a part of our family. He’s a big part of this roster, performance-wise. Like I’ve always said with these type of deals, you’re not betting on the baseball player, you’re betting on the person. He’s a person we’d like to have with us.”
Rizzo on Harper: "I think he's aware not only of my interest in him, his career and his life, but also ownership's and the organization's."
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 30, 2018