Bryce Harper loves L.A., from the city and the nightlife to the Dodgers and the Lakers—it’s a mecca of the world to him. At heart, he’s fond of the Dodgers, seeing them as one of the best organizations. However, lately, with baseball’s economic disparity on display, the attention has firmly fallen on the Dodgers. They recently overtook the New York Mets for the most expensive roster with in-season moves that boosted their payroll to $341.5 million. When questions were posed to Harper about his view of the Dodgers for spending big bucks to build a championship roster, he had a blunt take for the league, which has now resurfaced ahead of the NLDS.

“I feel like only losers complain about what they’re doing. I think they’re a great team; they’re a great organization, that’s why guys want to go there and play,” he said while speaking with reporters in April. Now, months later, the clip has resurfaced after On Pattison shared it Friday. This time, however, his remarks gained fresh traction, earning praise from the Phillies circle and beyond for his stance on a rival team.

It’s apparently the timing that has made even the Dodgers fans admire him all over social media. The upcoming NLDS series is forming to be one of those heavyweight matchups.

The Dodgers haven’t won a postseason series against the Phillies since 1978, and if they’re able to do so this time, then it’ll be historic. Meanwhile, for the Phillies, it could be their final push with their current roster.

The margins could be so slim on Saturday that all it could come down to is who can make one less mistake. For Bryce Harper, on the other hand, this October looks like his best chance to win the World Series. He has never won a World Series, and this season, he could achieve his far-fetched dream.

While recently speaking on his experience playing with the Phillies, he said, “I can’t imagine playing anywhere else; it’s the greatest place to play… It’s the best fan base in all of sports. Everybody sees that, and everybody is going to see that on Saturday when the bank turns red.” If this season happens to be their final season together—with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper together—it’s only fitting to aim for the championship ring.

Meanwhile, ever since his April statements resurfaced, the fans have been seeing him with a fresh wave of admiration.

Bryce Harper’s take on NL rivals has won hearts all over again

As east meets the west on Saturday, we’re about to witness Shohei Ohtani, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and FreddieFreeman—all in the lineup playing against each other. It’ll be truly one for the books but just one day before the big game, it’s Bryce Harper who’s the hot topic.

A fan noted what many felt all these years: “As a Dodger fan, I always regretted they didn’t sign Harper. Love his fire.” The Dodgers have had quite some opportunities to sign the star slugger. However, they didn’t and many felt it was a big mistake. On the Dodgers’ part, a few years ago they did offer the lefty slugger a reported four years at $180 million. However, they didn’t offer Bryce Harper the length he desired. Ultimately, he signed a 13-year contract with the Phillies worth $330 million.

Another Dodger fan had an interesting take on the upcoming series. “If the Phillies beat us, I won’t be mad.” He noted. Unless it’s the San Diego Padres or the San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers fans who’ve recently grown fond of Harper and the Phillies wouldn’t mind seeing his World Series dream finally come true.

Similarly, another fan noted, “Nothing but respect for the Phillies as a Dodger fan. These two teams are “THE REAL POWERHOUSE” after all; both the clubs are stacked with experienced veterans who have been known to the October Glory. Both the Phillies and the Dodgers made it to the World Series within the past five years. However, it was only the Dodgers who went home with hardware.

Another Dodger fan stated, “Phils are making it hard to hate them. They just want to play the best and beat the best. Respect! Gonna be nervous from first pitch 😬 Go Dodgers 😎💙.” it’s funny now the Dodgers fans are rooting for their team all while hoping the Phillies get it all too! There was another fan who echoed the same sentiments, “I want to beat them… but damn do I respect them lmao.” It’s truly tough to decide now! Each team’s offense ranks in the top 10 in all major offensive categories. Anything can happen on Saturday; what do you think?