Bryce Harper calls MLB’s bluff with his custom bat

Bryce Harper is essentially telling MLB to do something about it when it comes to his use of a custom bat during the league’s London Series.

Harper stepped to the plate in the first inning of Saturday’s game in London against the New York Mets with a unique bat that definitely is not approved for regular use. The bat depicts the Phillie Phanatic dressed up as a member of the Royal Guard, and Harper did use it during the game.

Bryce Harper is using his custom bat which pictures the Phillie Phanatic dressed as the Royal Guard

Earlier this week Harper said "we'll see if I get a letter about it" from MLB when he announced his plan to use it during games pic.twitter.com/mj9jMqJc6s

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 8, 2024

Earlier in the week, Harper had suggested he would use the bat even without permission, saying he would “see if I get a letter about it” after the fact. By going ahead with the plan, Harper is pretty much daring the league to fine him.

Phillies players have used custom bats before, but did so in a setting where it was permitted. Harper doesn’t care about that, and considering his current contract is paying him over $25 million per year, he can certainly afford whatever fine MLB might throw his way.