Phillies owner feels 'deep obligation' to Harper to win World Series

Philadelphia Phillies owner John Middleton is proud of what his team accomplished this season despite the NLCS loss - and he plans to do everything in his power to fulfill a World Series-winning promise he made to superstar slugger Bryce Harper.

"I feel a deep obligation to Bryce to do everything I can to uphold my end of the bargain, and I will," Middleton told USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

"We will be back."

The owner said signing Harper to a 13-year, $330-million contract prior to the 2019 season has "exceeded even my highest hopes and expectations for him," while explaining the 31-year-old's dedication to being the best and his commitment to the city is second to none.

"Bryce endeared himself to our fan base from the get-go," Middleton said. "As soon as the fans heard that there was no opt-outs (in his contract), they said, 'This guy wants to be here. He wants to stay here. He wants to raise his family here. He wants to win here.'"

Middleton added his relationship with Harper is close while disclosing the slugger is one of the organization's biggest recruiters and helps the front office decide on the best fits for the club. Harper's input has helped them sign the likes of Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, and Nick Castellanos.

Middleton intends to keep doing what he can to help Harper and the entire organization win their first World Series since 2008.

"I made the point repeatedly that the way we structured the deal to get him (would be) the maximum contract that anybody had ever gotten in North America, but still leave us with an AAV that we can build around him.

"Bryce looked at me and said, 'I'm willing to bet my future, my career on you.' That's powerfully motivating to me. We trusted him, and he trusted us."