Bryce Harper wishes former fan Kevin McGonigle played for Phillies

Bryce Harper grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Washington Nationals, but his soul belongs to The City of Brotherly Love. The future Hall of Famer embodies what it means to represent the Philadelphia Phillies and their fan base, exuding the undeniable intensity and irrepressible passion that speaks to Citizens Bank Park. He is Philly’s adopted son, but just imagine how people would react if there was a local talent playing alongside him.

Before the American League blanked the National League in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday night, Harper spoke glowingly about Delaware County native and Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle. The two-time MVP wishes that the AL Rookie of the Year favorite was wearing a different uniform, for he understands how much it would mean to the community.

“He’s had a great career thus far, and I said it the other day, I wish he was a Phillie just cause he was from here and everything else,” Harper told the media, per FOX29 Philly’s Jeff Skversky. “I asked him the other day, ‘where were you at in ’22 {NL pennant-winning campaign}’…. and he said ‘we were in the stands yelling at all the other people for you.’ I think mindset, things like that, you could tell the type of person he is. And it fits Philly.”

“I wish he was a Phillie”

Bryce Harper is a big fan of Delco native & Detroit Tigers Rookie All-Star Kevin McGonigle & thinks he fits Philly pic.twitter.com/aJJ4IyDLCU

— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) July 14, 2026

The Phillies had the opportunity to grab McGonigle in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, but president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and the front office ultimately took shortstop Aidan Miller with the No. 27 overall pick. The top-30 ranked MLB prospect recently underwent a back procedure and is likely to have his debut delayed. Detroit scooped up McGonigle 10 spots later and eventually tapped him to be the future face of the franchise.

The 21-year-old signed an eight-year, $150 million contract extension less than three weeks into his big-league career and quickly began rewarding the Tigers’ faith. He is batting .283 with eight home runs, 34 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, a .392 on-base percentage, .420 slugging percentage and .812 OPS through 413 plate appearances.

Kevin McGonigle went hitless in his first All-Star Game, but he should have plenty of opportunities to shine. Bryce Harper will be watching closely. While these two athletes are unlikely to share a clubhouse, they both have a mutual love for Philadelphia that should hold strong.

The post Bryce Harper wishes former fan Kevin McGonigle played for Phillies appeared first on ClutchPoints.