Bryce Harper posts 'thank you' to DC fans on Instagram

WASHINGTON - Baseball superstar Bryce Harper took to Instagram to thank the fans of Washington, D.C. following what may have been his last game at Nationals Park as a member of the Washington Nationals.

Harper, who can become a free agent at season's end, posted on Instagram, "To the fans and the city of DC, thank you!" He posted a collage of photos showing him waving to the crowd following Wednesday night's 9-3 victory in the team's home finale against the Miami Marlins.

The outfielder arrived at Nationals Park early Wednesday night to put his uniform on before the game, which was stopped after seven innings because of rain.

"I knew I wanted to get here and put the 'uni' on right away, and just cherish that moment, if it's going to be the last time or not," Harper said beforehand. "I can't really stand here and say it's going to be 'farewell' or anything like that, because nobody knows. Nobody knows what this offseason holds."

"This is my home," said Harper, the only NL player with 100 RBIs, 100 runs and 100 walks in 2018. "This is my city."

The Nationals drafted him No. 1 overall at age 17 in 2010, then called him up to the majors at 19. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2012, then a unanimous MVP selection in 2015.

A team that lost 100 games in a season twice before Harper came aboard won four NL East titles with the slugger (although never won a playoff series).

He sparked raucous celebrations at his home stadium when he won the Home Run Derby during All-Star weekend this July.

"It's like I'm standing here like a 35-year old, but I'm only 25. So it's the first time going through something like this, of course," Harper said.

Asked what it would take for him to return to Washington, he replied: "I've got to know if I'm in" the team's plans.

"Everybody knows what could possibly happen," he added. "I could be out of here or I could be back."

Until it's been determined, Harper's 2019 destination will be the talk of baseball.