After spurning the Nationals for the Phillies in the offseason, Bryce Harper will now watch his former team play in the World Series when Washington takes the field for Game 1 on Tuesday.
You might think Harper may be jealous of the Nationals, but he says he feels anything but that.
"I'm so happy for them," Harper told The Athletic. "You know how hard it is to get into the postseason and win games. For them to be able to put it together this year the way they have, it’s an amazing thing.”
In February, Harper signed a record 13-year, $330 million contract with Philadelphia after turning down an offer to remain in D.C. When asked if he regrets his decision to leave in free agency, Harper said he doesn't.
"Like I said, I made my decision, and that was my decision," he said. "And it was the final decision that I made. You know, jealousy isn’t good. For me, it’s about having the gratitude to go out and do what I do each day and not having an attitude towards anybody else.
“I think it’s about being able to be the person that I am and not saying to myself, `Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m not a National.’ Or, `Oh my gosh, those guys are doing what they’re doing. I can’t believe it. I’m so jealous.’"
Many on the Nationals played with Harper during the early parts of his career, so he's familiar with most, if not all, of Washington's players. He says he's been watching the Nationals this postseason and wishes them nothing but the best.
"Those are the guys I played with and came through the organization with … I wish them nothing but the best," Harper said. "And that’s real. I have no hard feelings toward them, or (general manager) Mike Rizzo, or anything like that. You know, they’re a great team. And that’s why they are where they are.”
After sweeping the Cardinals in the National League Championship Series, the Nationals await the winner of the American League Championship Series between the Astros and Yankees. The World Series kicks off Tuesday in either Houston or New York.
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