In a press conference before Saturday's game against the Mets in the London Series, Phillies star Bryce Harper expressed his excitement for the opportunity to play in front of different fans in the UK. Harper mentioned how thrilling it was to enter a new country and engage with a fresh fanbase. The London Series marks Major League Baseball's third venture into the city, following previous clashes between the Yankees and Red Sox in 2019, and Cubs and Cardinals in 2023.

Harper shared his wish for an expanded MLB presence in London, suggesting that the league bring over four teams to create a round-robin tournament that would span over a week and a half or two weeks. This way, UK baseball fans could rally around the sport during a longer stay by the teams. Harper suggested taking trains to different cities, immersing themselves in the country, and making it a truly memorable experience. He believed that this kind of extended visit would generate excitement and enjoyment for both players and fans alike.

Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo shared Harper's sentiment, emphasizing that once players adjusted to the time change, making a longer stay overseas would be a fantastic idea. Nimmo agreed with Harper's vision of playing in different cities and creating a round-robin format, expressing his belief that it would benefit the sport and promote its growth in a sportive way.

The London Series is the last international destination for MLB this season, following stops in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic during Spring Training, as well as regular-season games in Seoul, South Korea, and Mexico City. The two-game series between the Mets and Phillies will conclude on Sunday at 10:10 a.m. ET.

While MLB has already scheduled a return to London in 2026, Harper and Nimmo's comments suggest that there is a desire for a more extensive presence in the UK. Their enthusiasm for an extended stay resonates with the potential for further expansion and global reach of baseball.

As the London Series continues to captivate players and fans alike, the call for a longer MLB stay in London gains traction, with the belief that it would enhance the sport's popularity in the UK and create a truly immersive experience for all involved.