Published: November 8, 2025
| Contributing Sports Writer
The Philadelphia Phillies had an impressive regular season but fell short of reaching the World Series once again, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to claim another championship.
The Dodgers’ heavy spending has fueled ongoing debate about financial parity and the possibility of introducing a salary cap in Major League Baseball. With the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expiring after next season, tensions around this issue could escalate and even lead to a potential lockout.
Bryce Harper has been outspoken about his opposition to a salary cap. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Harper had a heated exchange with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during Manfred’s annual visit with teams in July. When Manfred raised the idea of a salary cap, Harper reportedly told him to “get the [expletive] out of our clubhouse.” Manfred refused to leave and continued the meeting.
Until recently, those were the only details known about the incident. However, sports agent Allan Walsh revealed new information on his podcast Agent Provocateur. Walsh claimed that a deputy of Manfred later confronted Harper, allegedly warning him, “Don’t ever say that again to the commissioner. Don’t ever disrespect him publicly like that. That’s how people end up in a ditch.”
Harper has long been vocal about league policies and player rights. The MLB Players Association remains firmly against a salary cap, arguing it would limit player earnings. MLB remains the only major North American professional league without one.
If this reported exchange between Harper and league officials is any indication, the next round of CBA negotiations could be particularly contentious.
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