Trade deadline madness? Already old news. The actual big thing in MLB this week came from a clubhouse in Philly. Bryce Harper and Rob Manfred exchanged some words— it got ugly. And now, out of nowhere, Stephen A. Smith spoke up, and his reaction is so strong that it might surprise you.

On July 28th, 2025, during a visit to the 30 clubhouses in Philadelphia, Manfred discussed the future of baseball’s economy, including rumors of a salary cap as the 2026 collective bargaining agreement nears its end on December 1, 2026. Bryce Harper had been quiet for most of the time. But then he stood up, walked over to Manfred, and said If he wants to talk about a cap, you can get the f— out of our clubhouse.” Shocking! And then Manfred said, “not going to get the f‑‑‑ out of here,” and insisted that these economic issues were key to developing the game and defending MLB’s business.

Stephen A. Smith has spoken up now, and boy, is he furious. In a segment on First Take, he stated: “That warrants a suspension. I’m not gonna lie to you, you can’t confront the commissioner like that and talk to him like that.” A very valid statement, on which he adds: “We all got to remember there’s so much more that goes into the world of business… It’s not just one individual. And to have an authoritative figure like that be talked to like that and disrespected like that, I’m sorry.”

And he didn’t stop there, no. He continued, “Times have changed… maybe in certain respects, it needs to go back to some of the previous days where you just know the importance of decorum and respect.”

What makes this narrative so startling is the change in tone from Smith. This is the same Stephen A. who, six years ago, couldn’t stop talking about Harper when he initially put on a Phillies uniform. Bryce Harper went 0-for-3 in his first game, struck out twice, and walked once, but fans booed him. Stephen A. said, “I am very fond of Bryce Harper. I like him a lot .” That positive review was a big part of his early coverage of Philadelphia, even when Harper was at his quietest.

And even when talking about the confrontation. Before he ripped into his actions, he said, “I love Bryce Harper, I do.” So now he wants public punishment?

Well, Stephen A. isn’t the only one who isn’t happy. Mark DeRosa, a former MLB player, also spoke up with a warning. He put it straight out: “The commissioner’s a powerful guy; don’t f— around with him.” That line felt like both a warning to be careful and a warning to empty the bench. DeRosa wasn’t kidding.

As baseball gets closer to the end of the 2026 CBA, arguments regarding a salary cap are getting worse. Now, after the Bryce Harper and Manfred situation, the voice of this veteran pitcher from the Blue Jays is coming. And he doesn’t sound much pleased. Um, not from Harper but from the Commissioner.

After the Bryce Harper clash, Max Scherzer turns up the heat

The fight between Bryce Harper and Rob Manfred was starting to quiet down, or at least go into the media echo chamber, when another voice chimed in. This is one voice the league can’t ignore. Max Scherzer, the Blue Jays’ veteran ace and a pitcher who isn’t afraid to say what he thinks, isn’t going after Harper. He is looking straight at the commissioner.

Scherzer told The Athletic on Wednesday that he has “a lot of questions for him.” “I look forward to him coming here. I haven’t seen him.” There is a strong undertone in Scherzer’s calm delivery. He isn’t getting ready for pleasantries. This pitcher used to be in charge of the union’s eight-player subcommittee, which three years ago voted against MLB’s collective bargaining deal. In other words, he’s throwing heat that no radar gun can see.

Scherzer also spoke out in favor of Harper, saying that players need to stick together. He replied, “I’m just glad to hear guys are willing to stick up and stand up for each other.” This was in response to Harper’s passionate defense in a closed-door salary cap discussion. Scherzer, a former teammate of Harper’s in Washington, understands his strong feelings about players’ rights and agrees with him.

He went on to say, “These are conscientious issues, these are work stoppage issues, so you are going to see passion from everybody.” “It’s good to see the passion from all the players across the league.” Scherzer’s comments were a clear message to Manfred: entering a clubhouse means joining a fully alert union ready for discussion—no fastballs needed.