Phillies: 5 players who moved to the dark side in Washington DC

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 11: Jayson Werth #28 of the Washington Nationals walks to the dugout during game four of the National League Division Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Nationals defeated the Cubs 5-0. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

#1. Jayson Werth

Easily the most memorable name on this list, Jayson Werth was 2011’s version of Bryce Harper. After winning a championship with the Phillies and establishing himself as one of the most beloved stars in the city, Werth opted to take his talents to a division rival during the 2011 offseason.

After signing a measly one-year/$850,000 contract with the Phillies back in 2006, Werth would go on to battle for and earn the everyday starting right field job. Across four seasons with the Phillies Werth posted an .885 OPS while simultaneously playing stellar defense in the outfield. In 2009, Werth was voted baseball’s “Unsung Star of the Year.” Phillies fans simply loved him.

Philadelphia Phillies /

Philadelphia Phillies

However, Werth became a free agent prior to the 2011 season and the Phillies only had so much money to go around. Werth opted to sign a seven-year/$126 million contract with Washington, one of the richest contracts in baseball history.

Despite having visions of being DC’s next superstar, Werth overall struggled with the Nationals. Werth hit just .232 his first season and would routinely battle injuries. While he had his moments as a Nat, he was clearly not the same player that he once was in Philly.

Ultimately, Werth proved his loyalty to Philadelphia just this past offseason, playing a small role in the Harper free agency saga. Reportedly telling Harper how great the Phillies organization was, it became clear where Werth’s heart remained.

Despite being a member of the Nationals’ “Ring of Honor”, Werth still should go down in baseball history as a Philadelphia Phillie legend.

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