Cubs’ Missed Chance: Bryce Harper Reflects on Free Agency

CHICAGO — Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper fondly remembers a chance encounter with Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer during Thanksgiving last year at a Nashville restaurant. The two were both with their families and quickly fell into conversation about baseball.

“We were just messing around a little bit,” Harper recalled. “A what-could-have-been kind of thing.”

While the Cubs did not sign Harper, they did acquire another left-handed hitter, Kyle Tucker, who is entering free agency after this season. Even in April, speculation about Tucker’s future is growing among fans and media alike, reminiscent of the buzz around Harper in previous seasons.

Harper, the National League MVP in 2021, once expressed regret about not joining the Cubs back in 2018. “Going into that offseason, they were the No. 1 team on my list,” he told The Athletic before a recent game at Wrigley Field. “Without a doubt.”

However, the Cubs never engaged Harper, who went on to sign a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies, including full no-trade protection and no opt-out clauses.

Hoyer acknowledged the need for an MVP-level player when he traded for Tucker. The Cubs gave up significant talent for the opportunity to have Tucker for just one season. “He’s one of my favorites in the league,” Harper said. “He’s a big-moment player, a red-light kind of player.”

This season, the Cubs aim to fully recruit Tucker, who will be 28 by the time free agency hits. The financial landscape has changed dramatically, with top players like Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signing massive contracts in recent years. The average annual value of Harper’s deal is comparable to what the Cubs have set aside for shortstop Dansby Swanson.

In a recent interview, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts noted, “We spent a lot of time thinking about what Bryce Harper’s worth as a free agent.” Ricketts reflected on missed opportunities when considering players like Harper.

Harper, upon hearing Ricketts’ comments, confirmed he never spoke with the Cubs during the free agency period, adding, “It just didn’t match or didn’t work.”

The Cubs maintained a high payroll in 2019, but their budget has largely stagnated since then. Owner John Middleton of the Phillies has significantly increased spending, which has helped Harper lead his team to playoff successes. Meanwhile, the Cubs are still recovering from past financial commitments, including Jason Heyward‘s hefty contract.

Amid all this, Harper and Craig Kimbrel’s shared past as Las Vegas natives certainly stirred excitement among fans. “Fans are going to play with that a little bit,” Harper acknowledged. “It was definitely something that I talked about — wanting to play in Wrigley, wanting to play in Chicago.”

Despite that desire, Harper emphasizes his happiness in Philadelphia. “I would never change it for the world,” he said. “I love the fan base, city, everything.”

Tucker remains focused on the season ahead, concentrating purely on his performance rather than free agency drama. Teammates praise his work ethic and leadership skills, establishing him as a frontrunner in the NL MVP race.

As the season progresses, the Cubs will surely contemplate whether they can afford to miss out on another chance to recruit top talent. “It’s my favorite visiting place to play,” Harper expressed. “A summer day in Wrigley, man, it’s one of the best baseball atmospheres in the league.”