In 2018, the Houston Astros nearly acquired Bryce Harper in a major trade with the Washington Nationals, a move that could have significantly altered the course of Major League Baseball. However, the deal fell apart at the last moment, with Nationals ownership unexpectedly denying approval, as recently disclosed by former Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow.
The Astros and Nationals were poised to complete a blockbuster transaction at the 2018 non-waiver trade deadline, which would have brought Harper’s powerful bat to Houston and sent three pitchers alongside two infielders to Washington. Despite player agreements being in place and nearly all details finalized, the Nationals’ ownership team ultimately vetoed the deal after initially pre-clearing it.
Details Behind the Bryce Harper Astros Trade Collapse
Jeff Luhnow explained on the Crush City Territory podcast with Chandler Rome and Tyler Stafford that the completed trade fell through solely due to the Nationals’ front office pulling the plug.
“Bryce Harper. That deal was done. Players agreed to. The only thing left was ownership approval. And the ownership said no, even though they had kind of pre-cleared the deal. That was huge and would’ve changed a lot of stuff, for sure,”
Luhnow revealed, highlighting the unexpected reversal.
This veto came at a critical time, as the Astros were in the midst of a dramatic run, positioning themselves to contend for a championship. In 2017, Houston had signed star pitcher Justin Verlander, a move that culminated in their World Series victory. Adding Harper would have further strengthened an already formidable team. The prospect of Harper joining the Astros remains a lingering “what if” in baseball history.
Harper’s Career and Missed Opportunities With Other Teams
Bryce Harper, known as one of MLB’s elite hitters, missed not only a chance with Houston but also opportunities with other clubs before ultimately signing with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Chicago Cubs were particularly interested in Harper during the offseason prior to his Phillies contract signing. In 2024, Harper recounted an unplanned meeting with Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer at a Nashville restaurant, where they discussed the possibilities had Harper joined the Cubs instead.
“Going into that offseason, they were the No. 1 team on my list,”
Harper said, expressing his initial interest. However, Harper directed his agent Scott Boras to finalize a deal with the Phillies after no other offers matched their 13-year, $330 million contract proposal. Despite the Cubs missing out on Harper, they have since built a strong lineup with players like left-handed hitter Kyle Tucker.
Harper briefly considered the San Francisco Giants, but timing and negotiations did not align, and the Giants could not meet his demands before he settled in Philadelphia. Since joining the Phillies, Harper has expressed his deep connection with the team’s fans and home stadium, Citizens Bank Park, stating,
“There’s nothing like coming into [Citizens Bank Park] and playing in front of these fans. Blue-collar mentality, tough, fighting every single day. I get chills, man.”
The Lasting Impact of the Failed Trade and What It Means for MLB
The collapse of the Astros-Nationals Harper trade raises pressing questions about decision-making at the highest levels of baseball organizations and how such moments shape the sport’s trajectory. Ownership’s refusal halted what could have been a transformative addition for Houston, possibly altering playoff outcomes and team dynamics in the following seasons.
The Nationals’ choice to reject the trade effectively kept Harper in Washington longer before his eventual move to Philadelphia, which changed the competitive balance in the National League. Fans and analysts continue to debate whether the Nationals erred in their decision or if it protected Harper’s value at that time.
Looking ahead, this incident underscores the influential role of ownership in sports transactions, where even nearly finalized deals can unravel. It also serves as a reminder of how singular events, like the Bryce Harper Astros trade collapse, can ripple across MLB history, affecting careers, championships, and fan experiences alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Bryce Harper choose 3?
A. Harper picked No. 3 for his jersey because his old number, 34, might be retired by the Phillies to honor Roy Halladay.
Q. Is Bryce Harper a member of the LDS Church?
A. Harper belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and does not consume alcohol. When asked about drinking, he said, “I’m not going to answer that. That’s a clown question, bro.” His response became popular online and was used by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in reply to a question.
Q. Is Bryce Harper one of the best players?
A. Bryce Harper is a famous American baseball player known for his great skill and quick success in the sport. He was born on October 16, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harper was seen as a special talent and became the first overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft when he was only seventeen.