Bryce Harper has a classy message for Braves player Ronald Acuña amid an injury-plagued season

Beyond a fierce, decades-old rivalry in the National League East, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has immense respect for Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna.

Harper was asked about Acuna’s injury-shortened season ahead of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, and the Phillies star’s response was pure class.

“No matter who you play for, who you are, what you do, I want you to be successful, I want you to be the best player in the world,” Harper said. “And (Acuna) can be that guy. I know Atlanta knows it, I know the team knows it, I wish him the best and I want him back in this game because the game is better when he’s the point guard for the Atlanta Braves.”

Acuna suffered a complete torn left ACL in May, the second season-ending knee injury of his career. The reigning National League MVP previously tore his right ACL in 2021.

Harper himself missed parts of his final seasons in Philadelphia due to Tommy John surgery and various hand and arm injuries. He was placed on injured reserve last month with a mild hamstring strain, but he appears to have avoided serious injury.

As Harper points out, the game — and the Phillies-Braves rivalry — is better with Acuna, but so is the two-time MVP, who is hitting .301/.403/.579 with a .983 OPS this season. The Braves are currently 8.5 games behind the division-leading Phillies at the All-Star break.