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Philadelphia Phillies: Bryce Harper is an MVP candidate

By David Hill

Aug 4, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) scores a run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 4, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) scores a run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bryce Harper has managed to completely slip under the radar this season. Despite a strong showing this year, the Philadelphia Phillies outfielder was one of the more glaring snubs for the All Star Team. Nonetheless, he has continued to put together an impressive season as the Phillies look to overtake the Mets in the NL East.

Should that happen, Harper needs to receive a great deal of the credit. Although their lineup has been middling at best, Harper has been one of the best players in the game with the bat, producing a .306/.417/.557 batting line with 26 doubles and 17 homers.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper deserves MVP consideration

With a little less than two months left in the regular season, Harper could be in the driver’s seat for the award. He is third in OPS, trailing Ronald Acuna Jr., who is out for the season, and Fernando Tatis Jr., who may be on the Injured List for an extended period of time. Jacob deGrom had been the clear frontrunner, but his injury issues may keep him out until September.

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Harper would not be a popular pick amongst the sabermetric crowd. His 2.9 bWAR pales in comparison to other possible candidates, and he may not surpass the likes of Tatis or deGrom. He ranks third on his own team in bWAR, trailing Jean Segura and NL Leader Zack Wheeler.

For Harper to generate an MVP run, other factors would need to be considered. The Phillies would need to not only catch the Mets, but surpass them in the standings to reach the postseason. Harper, as strong as his season has been, would still need to have an excellent end to the season for his candidacy to gain traction.

That certainly is not impossible. The Phillies are just 1.5 games back at this point, and are trending in the right direction while the Mets stumble. Harper has continued to hit the ball well, leading the Phillies offense as the team has fought their way back.

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Bryce Harper is having an impressive season. If the Philadelphia Phillies end up reaching the playoffs, it may be an MVP caliber year.

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