Rehashing Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper vs. Manny Machado debate

The year is 2018. The Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, the Washington Capitals beat the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Golden State Warriors clinch their third NBA title in four years, and the Boston Red Sox win the World Series. With new season for the NFL, NBA, and NHL coming up, the buzz in Philadelphia was centered around the choice between Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.

The debate between Manny Machado and Bryce Harper was which player could be the franchise player for the Philadelphia Phillies for the next 10 to 13 years

Which player would embody Philadelphia and become the one to represent Phillies fans in the red and white pinstripes? There was a lot of excitement around this young Phillies team with the hiring of Joe Girardi as well as the acquisitions of Jean Segura, David Robertson, Andrew McCutchen and J.T. Realmuto, but it felt like something was still missing. During this time, the rumors kept flying that the Phillies were in on but would prefer Harper.

It was a cold and rainy day when Manny Machado came to visit Citizens Bank Park and Philadelphia. It was a brief visit, but a fan working down in South Philly at the Sports Complex and was able to get a picture with him. After the visit, it seemed like the Phillies had pulled away from interest in Machado and wanted to go all in on Bryce Harper.

In Philly on February 28, 2019, we were in the middle of a cold front, but on that day, it seemed like things got a little warmer. Matt Klentak went out and provided the spark and the blueprint for the Phillies to build around. For 13 years and $330 million, Harper was a Phillie. The big part of his contract was no player or team option, no trade clause and as the years go on, Harper’s contract becomes more team-friendly.

Manny Machado, on the other hand, went to San Diego and signed a 10-year contract for $300 million. It was $30 million a year for every year consistently alongside a player option, which is rumored to be used this upcoming offseason by Machado. It seems that Machado was clearly signing this current contract for the money. If Machado opts out, it maybe now for him to win, but the question still remains as to whether or not he will stay, but the Padres have been doing their best to improve their roster to become a contender.

Since both teams have joined their respective clubs, it has been a bit of the same for both. The Phillies missed the playoffs up until the last season for Harper while  Machado led his club to the playoffs last season. Harper proved he was the better player and the bigger impact on his team when he hit the series-clinching home run in Philadelphia.

Since joining the Phillies, Harper has played in 455 games. With a .282 batting average, 101 home runs and 303 runs scored, Harper carried this team for years. Harper tried to carry this team into the playoffs in 2021. In doing so, Harper earned the NL MVP award. Last season, even needing Tommy John surgery, Bryce Harper still came to bat as the DH until he took a ball off his hand which sidelined up closer to September. Harper has done whatever it takes to help this team win and it has honestly become infectious. In fact, without Harper, I doubt the Phillies have Realmuto resigning, or Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos or Trea Turner all signing with Philadelphia in free agency. Harper has made Philly a destination.

Machado has played in 519 games for the Padres. Machado has a batting average of .280 with 108 home runs and 317 runs scored. Machado has been good for the Padres, but has never really been what Harper has been for the Phillies.

Harper has come to play and has come to be the difference-maker the team needs him to be. Putting his on body on the line, Harper still came to play while in who knows how much pain daily. Even accepting becoming a DH until he can play in the field again, all Harper wants to do is win. Can that be said for Machado?

This upcoming season will show just how big of a piece Machado is or if Harper truly was the better signing of the two in the overall big picture. Harper has been the closest to the promised land with the Phillies only needing two more wins last year. The debate will be over when either one of these two wins the World Series or if Machado leaves San Diego.