These opinions and issues with MLB leadership came to a head when commissioner Rob Manfred entered the Phillies locker room in July to discuss a salary cap. Harper reportedly became frustrated during the conversation, eventually getting in Manfred’s face and telling him to “get the (expletive) out of the locker room.” Manfred declined, saying it was important to discuss the threats to the game.
The meeting eventually went ahead, with Harper and Manfred even shaking hands afterwards. Although this seemed to be the end of the discussion, it was not. Officer Allan Walsh reported it during an episode of the “Agent Provocateur,” one of Manfred’s “deputies” threatened Harper, saying, “Never disrespect him (Manfred) again. That’s how people end up in a ditch.”
Alleged threat to Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper foreshadows the ugliness of an impending lockout
This news comes as the current collective labor agreement expires on December 1, 2026. Ownership is pushing for a salary cap, suggesting the Dodgers’ seemingly endless financial resources are just as bad for the future of the game. The players’ union is now firmly against such a limit.
The last sustained push for a salary cap came in 1994. The union’s refusal to entertain such an idea led to the disastrous strike that canceled the 1994 World Series and affected the start of the 1995 season. However, that labor stoppage may seem like a short respite compared to what could happen in 2027, with the possibility of losing the entire season. a distinct possibility.
The alleged threat to Harper could predict the tone of the negotiations. Relations between the union and ownership, and Manfred in particular, are frosty at best. If this threat proves true, the next labor stoppage could quickly turn ugly.
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