While enjoying very different career paths, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth could end up having a lot in common when all is said and done.
Consider this: Jayson Werth had achieved legendary status in Philadelphia before leaving town in free agency for an up-and-coming division rival in late 2010.
The move helped to turn the fortunes for the lowly Washington Nationals' franchise, which won the National League East four times in his seven seasons here.
The first of those division titles was won in Harper's rookie season, 2012. Now, as Harper faces an uncertain future in free agency, he could potentially pull the reverse Jayson Werth.
Worse yet, apparently he has asked Werth what it's like to play in Philly, and Werth gave him an honest assessment.
"I think he already has asked me about Philadelphia,'' Werth said on Saturday, ahead of his appearance in Philadelphia celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the World Champion 2008 Phillies. "It’s a great place to hit. I’ve always loved hitting here. I’ve shared that among other things about this place. He’s a dynamic player for sure."
Werth also joked with the media: "Isn't that tampering?''
Werth is a fun interview, but never one to provide all of the details up front. We are left to desperately wonder, when did he ask? Was he asking in regards to free agency, or did this conversation happen years ago? We may never know.
The Phillies are widely regarded as a team to watch if Harper hits free agency, as he is expected to barring a surprising move from the Nationals, who are also expected to compete for his services once the market is defined. If he goes to Philly, the Nats will get a different perspective of Harper's incredible skill set nearly 20 times each season.
He could also be the missing piece that brings Philly's first National League title since 2011. Since then, the team has finished last in the division three times, but that could be about to change. The team has young pieces like Odúbel Herrera and Maikel Franco, along with a rotation anchored by former Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta.
The team's ownership has been waiting to build before spending big money, and this offseason could be the perfect time for a big splash of Harper's caliber.
As of Sunday night, the Phillies are in first place in the NL East, 1.5 games ahead of the Braves and six games ahead of the Nats.