3. Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper is #3 on my list because of his track record and he continues to get better. The now most-sought-after free agent had a huge year in 2018 hitting 34 home runs, 100 runs batted in, and 130 walks, which were all better totals than in 2017.
Just look at what he has already been able to accomplish since debuting at Dodger Stadium at age 19 with the Nationals. He is a six-time All-Star, 2012 National League Rookie of the Year, a Silver Slugger Award winner, and won the National League Most Valuable Player in 2015 when he hit 42 home runs and gave Mike Trout a run for his money for the best player in baseball.
We all know he can hit, but what makes him a great player is he is able to play defense. What made me put him in the three spot is that he has improved on the defensive side as his error total has gone down from seven in his rookie year to three in 2018 along with getting to know his body more.
When he was a rookie he would go diving for balls and slamming into outfield walls, but as he has gotten experience, he does not dive nearly as much and has been more cautious in the outfield for the benefit of his health and longevity along with the best interest of his team.
Another positive aspect of Harper’s development is he has been more discipline at the plate. He used to chase balls outside the zone therefore leading to more strikeouts, but this year had a career high in walks (130).
Harper is projected to have another All-Star season. At age 26 he is projected to hit 27 home runs with an OPS of .875.