Bryce Harper not backing off Mike Trout recruiting amid tampering talk
Bryce Harper is facing a potential fine from Major League Baseball for the comments he made this week about wanting Mike Trout to join him in Philadelphia, but the star outfielder has given no indication that he plans to apologize.
Harper was asked on Wednesday about the reports that the Los Angeles Angels have contacted MLB to determine if he tampered by admitting he plans to recruit Trout. Harper said he spoke with the team about the situation, but not the league. He also essentially reiterated what he said about Trout.
Bryce Harper talked today about MLB looking into his comments about Mike Trout. pic.twitter.com/B203gxezu0
— Matt Breen (@matt_breen) March 6, 2019
“They talked to me a little bit — not MLB or anything like that,” Harper said. “When that time comes and the guy’s a free agent, we’ll see what happens. … If I didn’t mean it I wouldn’t have said it.”
Harper said during a radio interview on Tuesday that people would be “crazy” to think he is not going to try to get Trout to sign with the Phillies if the Angels star becomes a free agent following the 2020 season. He also hinted during his introductory press conference last weekend that he plans to recruit Trout.
While Harper could potentially face a fine from MLB, the disciplinary action probably won’t be anything too harsh. It’s no surprise that a guy who just signed a $330 million contract does not seem all that concerned.
