The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the enemy for many teams and fans across MLB for stacking their roster, thanks in part due to deferring salaries. Bryce Harper does not view them that way.
Harper spoke with the media on Friday ahead of his Philadelphia Phillies’ three-game home series against the Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. He was asked about the Dodgers, who have started the season 8-0. Harper declined to complain about the Dodgers’ practice of spending big and acquiring star players.
“I don’t know if people will like this, but I feel like only losers complain about what they’re doing. They’re a great team, they’re a great organization, that’s why guys want to go there and play,” Harper said.
Harper then said that the city of Los Angeles has a lot to offer and will likely continue to attract players.
“LA’s a great city to play in, obviously. They’re the Mecca of kind of the world of everything, from food to nightlife to sports. From the Dodgers to the Lakers … they’re going to continue to get guys,” Harper said.
Bryce Harper on Dodgers: “I feel like only losers complain about what they’re doing.”
— On Pattison (@OnPattison) April 4, 2025
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Harper really shouldn’t be complaining about a team spending money considering he’s a beneficiary of that. He’s on a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies. Additionally, he probably wants his Phillies to spend like the Dodgers and compete with them. He’s not about to complain about a team throwing money around and paying players. He thinks other teams should be doing the same thing.
Amazingly, Harper is just past the middle of his deal with the Phillies. He’s won an MVP award with them, made two All-Star teams and won three Silver Slugger awards. The Phillies have made the playoffs three seasons in a row, including a World Series berth in 2022 and trip to the NLCS in 2023. But they haven’t won a World Series with Harper yet, and that’s something he wants to change.
