DC, Philly police ‘duel’ over Bryce Harper

WASHINGTON — We were supposed to get a long awaited answer to baseball’s monthslong question: Where will Bryce Harper play in 2019?

All we got was a fake bidding war.


The D.C. and Philadelphia police departments traded the tweets Tuesday, perhaps laughing to keep from crying over the lack of news surrounding Harper’s destination. After all, a video game promotion is what seduced us into believing the seemingly-dormant Harper talks would finally bear some fruit, so a police department tug-of-war featuring paltry salaries (by pro sports standards) seems way less ridiculous.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been the rumored front-runner for his services, and a reunion with the Washington Nationals — where Harper has spent his entire 7-year Major League Baseball career — hasn’t been ruled out.

Even D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser got in on the fun later.


Time is running out for Harper to find a new (or old) home. The Nationals’ full squad reports to Spring Training Feb. 19. and the first Grapefruit League exhibition game is Feb. 23 against the Houston Astros. The Phillies open exhibition play against the Rays on Feb. 22.

Rob Woodfork

Rob Woodfork is WTOP's Senior Sports Content Producer, which includes duties as producer and host of the DC Sports Huddle, nightside sports anchor and sports columnist on WTOP.com.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up