Bryce Harper, Rob Manfred Clash Salary Cap: Report
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Philadelphia Phillies Star Bryce Harper According to multiple reports, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stabbed his head during a question-and-answer meeting between the commissioner and the team.
Manfred was in Philadelphia and met players for the Phillies and Boston Red Sox. The meeting with the Phillies lasted for over an hour. He spoke to the Phillies about the media landscape and helped develop baseball, the Associated Press reported.
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Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies responds after hitting a home run against Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giorito in the first innings of a baseball game in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/MattSlocum)
At one point, Harper told Manfred that if he was there to talk about his salary cap, he could get a “f — fut” for the clubhouse.
Manfred was in the clubhouse and didn’t talk about the potential salary caps, but the sports economics issues drew anger from Harper. ESPN reported. He has also been reported to have said that players were “not scared to lose 162 games” if MLB suggests a cap.
Manfred reportedly said he had no intention of leaving. Finally, Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos tried to spread the situation by saying he had more questions. Harper and Manfred reportedly shook hands before the commissioner left, but the Phillies’ base hand refused to answer a call the following day.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred will speak at a presentation at the Baseball Hall of Fame Awards held in Cooperstown, New York on Saturday, July 26th, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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“It was pretty intense and definitely passionate,” Castellanos told ESPN. “Both will return it to Bryce and Bryce and return it to the commissioner. It’s a harp. He’s been doing this since he was 15. It’s just another day. I wasn’t surprised.”
According to ESPN, both Manfred and Harper declined to comment further.
The baseball collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1, 2026, with some players concerned about the possibility of a pay cap push by owners.
Philadelphia Phillies baseman Bryce Harper (3), will throw the ball during five innings of a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Saturday, July 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
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Manfred and other owners cite pay gaps as one of the biggest issues in sports; MLB They are also working to deal with declining revenues from local sports networks. MLB did not have a salary cap.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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