Harper happy for Nationals: 'Jealousy isn't good'

Bryce Harper has no regrets about leaving the Washington Nationals in free agency last offseason - even though his former team is now playing for a championship for the first time since 1933.

The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder spent seven memorable years with the Nationals before signing a 13-year, $330-million deal to join their National League East rivals. The polarizing superstar told Jayson Stark of The Athletic he wasn't fazed seeing his ex-teammates make it to the World Series.

"No," Harper said when asked if he was envious of Washington's success. "You know, jealousy isn’t good. For me, it’s about having the gratitude to go out and do what I do each day and not having an attitude towards anybody else.

"I think it’s about being able to be the person that I am," the six-time All-Star added. "And not saying to myself, 'Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m not a National.' Or, 'Oh my gosh, those guys are doing what they’re doing. I can’t believe it. I’m so jealous.' No. I’m so happy for them."

Harper, 27, said he's been paying close attention to the Nationals' October run.

"I've been watching a lot of it,” he said. "Those are the guys I played with and came through the organization with … I wish them nothing but the best. And that’s real. I have no hard feelings toward them, or (general manager) Mike Rizzo, or anything like that.

"You know, they’re a great team. And that’s why they are where they are.”

The 2015 NL MVP also chimed in on all the Washington fans wearing altered Harper jerseys that poke fun at him.

"I mean, they bought the jerseys," Harper said, laughing. "It’s over. I wear No. 3 now. And I play for the Philadelphia Phillies – you know what I’m saying? I appreciate them supporting me before and buying those jerseys. But now they can do whatever they want with them. They’re all theirs."