Washington Nationals Bryce Harper Begins 2017 on Right Foot

The 2017 season could be important for Bryce Harper‘s future. The Washington Nationals star got his year started on the right foot yesterday.

Last season was a struggle for Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper. Just a season after sinning the National League MVP award as a 21 year old, Harper seemingly took a step back. His .243/.373/.441 batting line was above average, and he drew 108 walks, but his 2016 campaign was a far cry from his dominance in 2015.

Given those struggles, at least comparatively, the 2017 campaign is considered to be key for Harper’s future. He added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason, having changed his workout regiment and said he feels stronger than he had before. This season, if his optimism was to be any indication, Harper would be back to his 2015 form and ready to dominate once more.

If his first swing of Spring Training is any indication, Harper is back. On his first swing, Harper launched a home run to right center. Two innings later, he had an opposite field single on his second swing. Although his stint in the game ended after the fourth, it was a great sign that Harper’s confidence was valid.

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With Harper approaching free agency after the 2018 campaign, his performance this year could be vital to his future. He is already considered a possibility to get the first $400 Million contract in baseball history, but a repeat of 2016 would essentially end that discussion. Harper could still be in line for an excellent payday, but he would not receive anything close to his theoretical paycheck.

If anything, last year could have been a valuable learning experience. After Harper lost his way following Joe Maddon‘s refusal to pitch to him, he may have to learn how to pick his spots. Harper may well get the Barry Bonds treatment, having maybe one or two pitches to hit over the course of a game. If he can do damage on those pitches, just as Bonds did, Harper could return to his MVP form.

Perhaps more so than any other player on the team, Harper is the key to the National success. Their starting rotation should be strong once again, and while there is a question about who will close, the bullpen should be solid. However, the offense will go as far as Harper can carry them. A repeat of last year could lead to yet another disappointing season for a team with World Series aspirations.

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Bryce Harper homered on his first swing in game action yesterday. Even though it is just Spring Training, it is a great sign for the Washington Nationals.