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Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper Cannot Skip 2017 WBC

By Ron Juckett

Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) looks on during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) looks on during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball game at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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For now, Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper is not on the roster for the 2017 World Baseball Classic and that is a mistake.

Washington Nationals megastar Bryce Harper is not on the initial list of 50 players on Team USA’s roster for next spring’s World Baseball Classic.

Citing a reason of not wanting to upset his regular spring routine, Harper is not interested in playing for his country. He has every right to do as he pleases, as does Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels who is also not on the roster, but Harper is wrong.

Imagine Alex Ovechkin across town skipping the Olympics to focus on resting for the Washington Capitals. You think Washington Wizards point guard John Wall would turn an invitation down if he is healthy to play for Team USA?

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Harper is in a unique position. One of the best young players ever to grace a baseball diamond, he is on the verge of landing one of the biggest contracts in the history of sports. His ad hawking cellphone data has run countless times during the postseason. (Sadly, he did not hit that walk-off bomb, kid. You can finish your laundry in peace.)

With high expectations and a healthy ego, Harper expects to be the face of the game for years to come. Those dollars he soon will get will come from his performance with the Nats. After an off year, by his standards, in 2016, it is understandable why he wants to stay on his routine.

What he and his agent Scott Boras are ignoring is his obligation to Major League Baseball and the growth of the game. The WBC is great for the game. As players from all over the world showcase their talents, the American teams have underwhelmed.

Four years ago, New York Mets third baseman David Wright picked up the nickname “Captain America” for his clutch play. For a few moments, he became a household name.

Unlike soccer’s World Cup, baseball’s version does not have generations of tradition and lore to share. At least, yet. Although playing in the WBC does not have a financial stake for player and agent, there is something special and exciting about donning the uniform of your country and going all out.

Max Scherzer feels that way. He is on the list of 50.

Harper headlines one of the greatest crop of young talent ever in baseball. His participation in the WBC will draw casual viewers in the District to watch. If he is healthy—an issue no one is being truly honest about—then he has an obligation to play.

An American win will grow the game here as it did for Japan in their win and Cuba. It is not all about representing the flag, it is making the sport more secure and paying it forward.

Harper will achieve many great things over his career. If he is healthy, however, he needs to be on that roster. Not for himself, but for the next generation of Bryce Harper’s inspired by his play.

Next: What To Do With Gio Gonzalez?

A walk-off bomb an entire country can get behind.

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