Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper a mixed bag in 2019
Bryce Harper has been a mixed bag when it comes to results for the Philadelphia Phillies.
When the Philadelphia Phillies signed Bryce Harper to his 13 year, $330 million contract prior to this season, they were paying for a superstar. The hope was that Harper would be that player in the middle of their lineup, a difference maker that would help propel the Phillies back into the playoffs.
Although any long term contract is a risk, especially when it comes to that type of an average value, expecting Harper to be a superstar for most of that contract involved a leap of faith. He has performed at that level before, posting an OPS+ over 150 twice, including his MVP season in 2015. However, he also had three seasons with an OPS+ below 120, making him a barely above average player.
Given those expectations, Harper would appear to be a disappointment this season. He has produced a .253/.374/.485 batting line, hitting 30 doubles and 24 homers in his 527 plate appearances. Harper has continued to walk at a prodigious pace, with 83 free passes on the season, but he has also struck out a league leading 139 times.
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That production is worth a 119 OPS+, which makes Harper just 19% better than league average. Likewise, his current 2.1 bWAR is just above starter level, far below what would be expected from a player like Harper.
Yet, the 2019 season has not been a complete disaster. Harper is on pace to hit 32 homers and 41 doubles while driving in 115 runs. Those projected doubles and RBI would set new personal bests for Harper, who has displayed that he is the run producing power threat that the Phillies needed.
But is that really enough for Harper to avoid being looked upon as a bust? In a way, that may be tied into the Phillies end result this season. If Philadelphia can make the postseason, overcoming a shaky rotation and injuries, then Harper’s pop will be a major reason. Otherwise, he will likely be the scapegoat, the $27.5 million player who couldn’t make a difference.
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Bryce Harper’s first season with the Philadelphia Phillies has been a mixed bag when it comes to production. However, the way it is remembered will depend on how the Phillies finish out the year.