Bryce Harper may be known as the Philadelphia Phillies’ super slugger and two time National League MVP, but this offseason he decided to share his hobbies in a new way — through the social media app TikTok.
During the 2024 season, Harper helped lead the Phillies to a National League East title. In 2022, the Phillies lost the World Series to the Houston Astros and have been on a quest for revenge ever since.
It is officially spring training for Major League Baseball, and most players take this time to focus on preparing for the upcoming season, whether that involves working out, batting practice or relaxing vacations with family. Through social media, Harper’s videos provide a unique snapshot into the life of an MLB player during the offseason.
Many MLB teams have their own account on the popular social media app, where they interview players and make content related to the game like highlight reels. Some MLB players themselves have had TikTok accounts since the app's creation, but the majority of the content created by past or present players is focused on the technical aspects of the sport.
In early Jan., a video of Harper making an iced vanilla latte popped onto Philly fans’ “For You” pages. This post racked up over 3.2 million views and was the start of Harper’s status as a popular social influencer. A series of posts followed, mostly cooking with a bit of baseball content sprinkled in. Previous to this post, all of Harper’s content was MLB related, save one video of his unique approach to snowboarding – what appears to be him tethered to a moving snowmobile.
After the success of the vanilla latte, Harper took to TikTok again to share his favorite banana bread recipe. He detailed the process from start to finish, including his specific ingredient requirements like coconut sugar, which he uses instead of refined sugar.
Harper has shown himself to be a coffee enthusiast, detailing his date caramel cold brew and banana cream cold brew. Other videos have featured oatmeal cream pies, his favorite dessert tiramisu, curry ribs, iced strawberry matcha, bagels, date chocolate bark, a post-workout protein smoothie and “nature's gatorade,” his sports drink creation consisting of a freshly squeezed lemon, celtic salt, coconut water and hydrogen water. And — of course — a homemade Philly cheesesteak after the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
Some of Harper’s ingredient choices have faced skepticism, like his use of raw milk in the iced vanilla latte. Fans in the comments section warned others of the dangers of drinking raw milk. Harper’s influence as one of the highest paid players on the team and his mass following on the app is broad, and some followers have advised that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states raw milk can be dangerous. In mid-Feb., Harper was reported to be out for the first full squad workout due to food poisoning. It is unknown if this incident is related to the raw milk, but skeptical fans took to the internet to spread this rumor.
Through his account, fans learn other fun details about Harper. One video provides a glimpse into his closet and hat collection, while another features him unpacking and explaining the contents of his bag.
On Saturday Feb. 22, the Philadelphia Phillies played their first Spring Training Game of the 2025 season in Clearwater, Florida. Harper’s most recent video was posted on Feb. 23, so it is unknown whether another TikTok is to come, or if fans will have to wait until the end of next October for another video. The Phillies’ season opener is set for March 27, at the Washington Nationals.
