Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper may have temporarily moved past his heated exchange with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, but the fallout continues—this time due to a controversial comment from MLB Network analyst and former player Mark DeRosa.
The incident, which drew widespread attention across the league, centered on Harper’s opposition to Manfred’s push for a salary cap. During a tense clubhouse visit, Harper reportedly told the commissioner to “get the f— out,” expressing clear frustration over the topic. Though the meeting ended with a handshake, tensions clearly remained.
Mark DeRosa, a former MLB veteran and Team USA manager, now works under the league’s umbrella. According to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich, DeRosa issued what some Phillies players interpreted as a warning in the aftermath: “The commissioner’s a powerful guy, don’t f around with him.”
The remark was viewed by some as a veiled threat suggesting Manfred could retaliate against players critical of him especially Harper. DeRosa later clarified that the comment was meant as a joke, not a serious warning. “Shame on me for thinking I had a better relationship with some of the players,” he said. “It was completely in jest, among about 10-12 guys. People were laughing. I’ve known Bryce since 2012.”
Still, many questioned why DeRosa would joke in that context, especially given the seriousness of the conversation between Harper and Manfred. Harper had passionately pushed back against salary cap proposals, and the league’s labor relations are already under pressure. With the threat of another lockout looming after the 2026 season, following the one in 2021, tensions like this carry real weight.
The situation reflects deeper concerns about players’ freedom to speak up. While Harper and Manfred may have mutual respect, DeRosa’s comment added fuel to a fire that could burn for the next two years. As labor negotiations loom, veiled jokes or not, perceived threats only complicate a fragile landscape.
