It is important that Bryce Harper trusts the new-look Phillies front office.
Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper has definitely made his feelings known this year on his stance that the club should re-sign J.T. Realmuto. After this past season ended, Harper notably told reporters that the perennial All-Star catcher needs to be on the team in 2021 — “plain and simple.”
Harper went on to talk about how the Phillies pitchers love to throw to Realmuto, as well as how he is “the best catcher in baseball” and that it “shouldn’t be a question” to bring him back. It’s pretty easy to understand how serious Harper is with these statements.
Scott Boras says the #Phillies don't hire Dave Dombrowski as president of baseball operations if they don't plan on winning immediately
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 15, 2020
It is important, however, that considering the new-look Phillies front office — headlined by new president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowksi — that Harper trusts them.
As trade rumors continue to swirl, manager Joe Girardi said to reporters that he thinks one always has to have concern with how players might handle things when they do not go exactly the way they want them to.
“Obviously, I’ll sit down and have discussions about him, with him,” Girardi said. “I’m sure Dave will probably have discussions with Bryce: Look, we want to win just as badly as you do. Trust us. We’re going to do everything we can to bring a championship to Philadelphia. … You’ve got to trust Dave and what Dave’s going to do.”
Girardi added that he understands friendships, such as the one between Harper and Realmuto, are a factor to consider. “I’ve been with teammates that I love being a teammate with and the next year they’re not there and it’s a little bit difficult,” the Phillies skipper said. “You form new relationships, you get involved in the season, then it just kind of becomes normal again.
“But in a time where you’re not extremely busy, I think you probably think about it a lot more.”
Will the hiring of Dombrowski improve the chances of Realmuto continuing to don red pinstripes, while also making teammates like Harper happy? We will just have to wait and see.
In the meantime, Harper should trust that the Phillies will make the decision best for everyone.