Overview
- Walsh said on his Agent Provocateur podcast that an unnamed MLB deputy told Harper, “That’s how people end up in a ditch,” after a heated exchange in July.
- Walsh was not present, named no official, provided no evidence, and noted the claim came from people who told him they were in the room.
- MLB, the Phillies, and Harper have not publicly commented on the allegation reported over the weekend.
- The July episode followed Commissioner Rob Manfred’s clubhouse visit to discuss league economics, with multiple reports saying Harper told him to “get the [expletive] out,” and the two later shook hands.
- Coverage links the unverified claim to hardening positions over a potential salary cap as the MLB–MLBPA agreement approaches its Dec. 1, 2026 expiration, with some analysts warning of possible 2027 labor strife.