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Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper to join Team USA

By David Hill

Jun 16, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) in the dugout before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Team USA has landed even more star power for their entry in the World Baseball Classic in 2023.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has become the latest player to commit to playing in the WBC, as the 2021 NL MVP confirmed his place on the roster. He is now the sixth player that is known to have committed, joining Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt, Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado, and J.T. Realmuto on the roster.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper brings even more star power to Team USA…maybe

At this point, it is clear that Trout is putting together a Dream Team of American players. Not only does he have impressive power and offensive potential in the lineup thus far, but he has Gold Glove winners at each spot. Although Trout himself has never won a Gold Glove, he was the Wilson AL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.

Harper, if healthy, would continue to add that all around aspect to the roster. He had produced an excellent .318/.385/.599 batting line in his 275 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 21 doubles despite a torn UCL. A broken thumb that required surgery was the only thing that slowed him down this year.

Those injuries make his role on Team USA somewhat questionable. He may need surgery on his UCL which could make his spot in right field questionable. He has already backed off his throwing program due to stiffness in the elbow as the injections he received in May have not worked. Tommy John surgery, if needed, could cause him to miss part of the 2023 campaign, putting his participation in the WBC in doubt.

But there is hope that surgery will not be needed. The Phillies are likely going to give him more rest before attempting to restart that throwing program despite their original hopes that when he returned from the broken thumb, it would be as an outfielder. Having his bat in the lineup will be important for their playoff run, as well as having him healthy for Team USA in the WBC.

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Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has committed to being part of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Health permitting, that is.

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