Mets GM not worried about Bryce Harper signing with Phillies

Bryce Harper signing with the Philadelphia Phillies should put the rest of the NL East on notice, but one rival GM is not worried.

Brodie Van Wagenen, who is in his first season as GM of the New York Mets, told the New York Post’s Joel Sherman that he is not concerned about the Phillies landing the former MVP.

I asked Van Wagenen this morning if he was rooting for Harper to end up out West. Said was focused on his team, not worried about it. Just asked him if anything changed now that Harper is a Philly. 1 word answer: Nope.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 28, 2019

Van Wagenen being more focused on his club and not on what divisional opponents are doing makes some sense, but he should be concerned. Not only do the Nats and Braves look good, but the Phillies have some serious clout in their lineup after adding Harper.

The NL East just became that much more difficult to win. The only bright side for Van Wagenen is that the level of competition increasing will force him and his team to play their best to keep up.