Bryce Harper remains a key piece for the Phillies, but it’s worth noting that before he landed in Philadelphia, he was seriously considering other MLB teams — including one of the clubs in Chicago. That stadium, Wrigley Field, has become his favorite place to play on the road.
“It’s my favorite visiting place to play,” Harper told The Athletic. “Just the vibes of Chicago and Wrigley Field and the ivy. When the wind’s blowing in, it’s not great, but it’s just such a fun ballpark. The crowds show up. With the bleacher creatures out there, it was always fun listening to what they had to say behind me in right field. A summer day in Wrigley, man, it’s one of the best baseball atmospheres in the league.”
In a feature published by Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Harper also revealed that he once hoped to play for the Cubs. “It was definitely something that I talked about — wanting to play in Wrigley, wanting to play in Chicago…” he said, though he made it clear that he’s happy where he ended up with the Phillies.
Happy in Philly, but the Cubs still hold a special place for Harper
Before signing with the Phillies, Harper had the Cubs at the top of his free-agent wish list. However, the Cubs never had a real opportunity to fully meet with him to discuss a possible contract.
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
“Obviously, I’m extremely happy with where I am in Philadelphia. I would never change it for the world. I love the fan base, city, everything. It’s a blast. But pre-2019, going into free agency, the Cubs were at the top of my list.”
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Just one series at Wrigley Field
During the 2025 season, Harper and the Phillies are scheduled to play just one MLB regular-season series at Wrigley Field. There’s still a chance the teams could meet again in Chicago during the postseason, depending on how the playoffs unfold.
