Nats GM disappointed Bryce Harper missed NatsFest

Bryce Harper was one of a few Washington Nationals who did not attend the team’s annual “NatsFest” gathering for season ticket holders Saturday, and that was a disappointment for the team.

Harper is in a salary dispute with the club and has a grievance hearing scheduled for Tuesday. The team believes he did not appear at the fan event because of his impending hearing.

Here is what CSN Washington’s Mark Zuckerman and Chase Hughes wrote about the situation:

Harper, on the other hand, appears to have decided himself not to attend. Rizzo said he’s “disappointed” by that development, but acknowledged it’s due to Tuesday’s salary grievance hearing in New York.

Harper believes that he should be treated as a “super two” and therefore be arbitration-eligible for his salary next season. The club prefers to pay him a controlled amount next season (Harper would earn more through arbitration).

Harper has played at least 100 games in each of his first three seasons with the club and only missed time because of injury. He should be eligible for arbitration. It’s also understandable why he does not want to go to a team event while he is in a dispute with them. If he needs an excuse, though, maybe he can just tell them he’s taking a shower.

H/T Hardball Talk