CLEARWATER, Fla. - Bryce Harper found himself in a familiar spotlight on Tuesday night, as he rounded the bases at Miami’s loanDepot Park. His clutch home run to center field tied the gold-medal game of the World Baseball Classic against Venezuela in the eighth inning. Harper soaked in the electric atmosphere, celebrating into the on-field camera like he did after his iconic go-ahead homer in the 2022 National League Championship Series.
“I just tried to enjoy it,” Harper reflected. “It felt a lot like Game 5. Putting a country on your back and making something happen late in the game was huge for our team.”
Despite Harper's heroics, Team USA couldn’t hold off Venezuela, falling by a run in the championship round of the WBC. On Thursday, Harper, along with Kyle Schwarber and Brad Keller, returned to BayCare Ballpark, reuniting the Phillies squad just a week before Opening Day.
“Even though it’s a couple of days, it’s good to get everyone together,” manager Rob Thomson noted.
Harper cherished his time with Team USA and addressed the criticism the team faced. Despite batting just .214, Harper felt confident about his swing and pitch recognition. He’s set to play on Friday against ace Tarik Skubal and the Tigers, rest on Saturday, and then participate in the Phillies’ final two spring training games.
With the season ahead, Harper has clear goals. He’s focused on plate discipline, aiming to increase his walks significantly. Last season, he drew 70 walks in 132 games, but he’s setting his sights on reaching base via walks 140 to 150 times this year.
“Just giving a crap about it, right?” Harper explained.
“Honing in on my strike zone and understanding I’m really good when I walk. If I can do that, I’ll be right where I want to be.”
Harper believes this disciplined approach can elevate his performance, which is crucial for the Phillies in 2026. After coming so close in the WBC, Harper is eager to chase a championship with his major-league teammates.
“Anytime you go into a tournament or season, you want to win,” Harper said. “We’ve been so close as a team, and I’ve been close as an individual.
Winning a gold medal in the WBC would have been incredible. But winning a World Series is what you play for, what you dream of.
Hopefully, we can achieve that this year.”
Camp notes