Who’s your favorite MLB player’s favorite player?
It’s always fun when we get a glimpse into what great players think about their peers, and during All-Star Media Day in Philadelphia on Monday, Phillies superstar first baseman Bryce Harper was asked to name one player in MLB history he would like to play alongside.
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MLB history spans 150 years, and there have been many legendary players who have graced the diamond over the decades. But Harper’s answer was a contemporary, and his comments constituted high praise from one of the best in the game.
“I’d like to play with Aaron Judge,” Harper said. “I know that’s not [going back] in history, but I was able to play with him in the [World Baseball Classic], and it was just a lot of fun.”
It’s easy to see how being a teammate of Judge, a three-time American League MVP and the owner of the AL record for home runs in a single season (62 in 2022), would be appealing.
But Harper’s answer also speaks to just how highly regarded Judge is among those who play against him. The Yankees’ captain has built quite a reputation of excellence, both as a player and as a person.
The thought of Harper and Judge in the same lineup, as they were during the World Baseball Classic this past spring, is a scary one for opposing pitchers. The two have a combined 768 career home runs and five MVP Awards, and each already has a strong case for the Hall of Fame.
For now, the idea of them playing together in the Majors is only theoretical. But if Harper had his way, it would be a reality.