Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper confronted Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred during a heated meeting last week. According to four people who attended the meeting or were briefed on it, Mark DeRosa, a former big leaguer and MLB Network broadcaster, made a comment that some players took as a threat.
DeRosa said, “The commissioner’s a powerful guy, don’t f— around with him.” However, he later clarified that his statement was meant as a joke. The meeting centered on the possibility of implementing a salary cap, which has been a contentious issue in the sports world. Harper expressed opposition to the idea, citing its potential impact on players’ rights.
The incident marks the latest development in Manfred’s annual meetings with teams, which have sparked controversy among players and the players’ union. Labor tensions are rising ahead of next spring’s collective bargaining between owners and players. Harper has remained quiet on labor issues in the past but acknowledged his involvement in the discussions.
Manfred explained that he aims to get directly to the players to energize support for potential changes, but the players’ union has been critical of the commissioner’s approach, saying it may be seen as advocacy for Manfred’s positions. The MLBPA has advised players to avoid conversations about labor, and Harper has stated that he prefers to address issues behind the scenes rather than in the media.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate over a salary cap and its potential effects on the game. As the Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire, players, owners, and the commissioner will need to navigate these complex issues to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6520855/2025/07/28/bryce-harper-rob-manfred-mark-derosa-mlb-clubhouse-confrontation