I don’t get all the negative feelings towards Bryce here. Was he perfect? Of course not - there were far too many lackadaisical plays for my taste. But he also was fun to watch, local kids adored him, and he did a lot to make the game a bit less stuffy.
I don’t think that the Phillies was the best spot for his personal happiness. All of us know full well how classless a lot of their fan base is. I was at that Opening Day some years ago,where the Phillies fans took over and ruined the day. They will not tolerate anything less than walk off homers every game. He was used to being coddled and adored here. That can turn around quickly in Philadelphia.
I think he’s young, and doesn’t know yet that in the long run, sometimes it’s better to turn down that promotion, turn down that new job at a different company, or turn down that new title. A bit more money or a corner office doesn’t necessarily make one happy. I made that mistake when I was his age, and most people I know can tell a similar story about their early career. Most of us have the ability to quit that job when we realize that money isn’t everything. Bryce is stuck, basically for the rest of his career. I wish him well (except when competing against us) and hope that I’m wrong and that this contract brings him happiness.