2020 MLB Season: top 5 NL East MVP candidates, ranked

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets celebrates his third inning home run against the Atlanta Braves as he runs the bases at Citi Field on September 28, 2019 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Braves 3-0. The home run was Alonso's 53rd of the season setting a new rookie record. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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2020 MLB Season: Top 5 NL East MVP candidates

Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies

Bryce Harper is supposed to be an MVP candidate. He won the award in 2015 and is signed to one of the largest contracts in sports history. He is supposed to be a producer for the Phillies.
The six-time All-Star had an interesting first season in Philadelphia. His on-base percentage and OPS. were impressive, but he struck out 178 times in 157 games, causing his batting average to be just .260.

The Phillies are only going to get better if Harper plays better. If he returns to his 2015 or 2017 Caliber, the team will improve, and he will be the reason why. This will make him the team’s best candidate for MVP.

More. Healthy mysteries ahead for 2020's NL East. light

The right fielder is just 27 years old. Perhaps his first season was influenced by unfamiliarity to the ballpark. Not all long-term free agents make huge impacts in the first season of their contract. Expect Harper to be a more consistent threat during the 2020 MLB season.

Similar to Realmuto, Harper is only going to be a candidate if the Phillies make the playoffs. If they make it to the postseason, that means Harper put together an impressive 2020 campaign. He has the potential to put up a monster year every year and this might be one of those seasons for Harper.

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