Bryce Harper ‘blown away’ by Nick Castellanos signing
By Matt Rappa
Phillies star Bryce Harper is bullish on his newest outfield teammate, Nick Castellanos
Perhaps the happiest member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization — regarding the franchise’s recent blockbuster free-agent signing of outfielder Nick Castellanos — is no other than the reigning National League Most Valuable Player.
On Saturday morning, Bryce Harper spoke to media about Castellanos, who agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract with the Phillies after slugging 34 home runs and 100 RBI last season with the National League Central’s Cincinnati Reds.
“I was pretty blown away this morning when I woke up. [I am] pretty excited,” Harper told media inside the Phillies spring training clubhouse. “Being able to see that just goes to show this organization wants to win.”
Bryce Harper woke up to the news of the Nick Castellanos signing this morning. He said he told Bryson Stott that it’s a “good day to be a Phillie.” pic.twitter.com/QmIxtVQ04P
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) March 19, 2022
“You have to have faith in Dave Dombrowski and John Middleton to do their job and get a team that’s best going out there.” — Bryce Harper
Following the Kyle Schwarber signing earlier in the week, Harper described the slugger as a proven winner, but in the same breath, noted that the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are getting a lot better. Harper added: “Hopefully we’re not done and we go out and get another guy.”
Never did Harper imagine, however, that Castellanos would be that guy:
"“I definitely didn’t really think that, just because Castellanos is one of the best guys on the market. It’s incredible. I would have never thought that would happen.”"
Constructing the new-look Phillies lineup has been a hot trend on social media among fans. Harper himself is in awe of the group’s potential, describing its length as “very impressive” and “well-rounded.”
"“What a lineup we are about to have. It looks good on paper, but you still have to go out there and give your best effort and work hard.”"
