The Philadelphia Phillies remain focused on another postseason push, but Bryce Harper is already giving fans a glimpse into how he envisions his future in baseball once his playing career eventually comes to an end.
While Harper is still under a long-term contract with Philadelphia and remains one of the franchise’s cornerstone players, the two-time MVP has previously acknowledged that he hopes to stay involved in the sport long after he retires. One possibility he has discussed is becoming part of an MLB ownership group, and it appears he already has a clear idea of who he would trust to lead his team from the dugout.
That person is none other than Phillies teammate Kyle Schwarber.
The idea surfaced during a feature from The Athletic that explored Harper’s long-term ambitions. Although the conversation centered on life after baseball, it also highlighted the immense respect Harper has developed for Schwarber during their time together in Philadelphia.
Harper believes Schwarber possesses many of the qualities needed to become a successful major league manager. Over the course of his career, Schwarber has built a reputation as one of baseball’s most influential clubhouse leaders, earning praise from teammates for his preparation, professionalism, competitiveness, and ability to keep a team united through both highs and lows.
His experience only strengthens that case. Schwarber has been through virtually every stage of a big league career, from postseason disappointments to winning a World Series championship, giving him the perspective many believe is essential for managing at the highest level.
Those leadership traits are exactly why Harper sees Schwarber thriving in a future managerial role.
Eventually, Harper revealed he even shared that vision directly with his teammate.
“I was messing with him about that. I’m like, ‘Dude, you’re going to be the best manager. If I ever own a team, you’re going to manage my team.'”
Although Harper delivered the comment in a playful manner, it underscored the confidence he has in Schwarber’s baseball mind and leadership abilities.
Neither player suggested such a scenario is anywhere close to becoming reality, as both remain key pieces of a Phillies team chasing another championship. Still, Harper’s comments offered a revealing look at how highly he regards Schwarber—not only as one of the club’s veteran leaders, but as someone he believes could one day be calling the shots from the manager’s office.