Overview

• During his annual clubhouse visit, Commissioner Rob Manfred raised MLB’s economic challenges and potential payroll limits in an hourlong meeting with the Phillies
• Bryce Harper stood nose to nose and told Manfred to “get the f--- out of our clubhouse,” sources told ESPN
• Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos intervened to defuse the confrontation, and Harper and Manfred shook hands before the meeting ended
• Harper warned that players “are not scared to lose 162 games” if ownership insists on a hard cap, underscoring union resolve
• The MLBPA has labeled cap proposals “institutionalized collusion” and is preparing for a possible work stoppage when the current agreement expires December 1, 2026