Bryce Harper Has Reached a New Level Of Greatness In 2024
Bryce Harper has had a few road bumps in his Phillies career. Getting hit in the head, injuring his wrist, and needing Tommy John as a hitter. It led to him having only 2 seasons where he played 140 or more games. In 1 of those seasons, 2021, he won the MVP.
But despite the injuries, he is already bordering on being a Phillies legend. His game-winning HR against the Padres is among the best hits in Phillies history. That entire postseason was one of the best playoff performances in Phillies history, and he followed it up with another great one in 2023.
Despite all of that, he might be having his best season ever in 2024. Harper stumbled out of the gates a little slow in April. But since May 1st, it would be hard to name many players who have hit better than Harper.
Bryce Harper’s Crazy Stat Line Since May
Just how good has Bryce Harper been? His slash line is .345/.433/.644/1.077. Among qualified hitters, all of those numbers put him in 2nd place during that time, with only Aaron Judge above him.
He has 13 HRs and 13 2Bs over that span, for a total of 38 RBIs. For those who like WAR, he has the 3rd best WAR over that span, and the best in the NL.
He already won Player of the Month in May. His June has been even better, setting him up to potentially win it two times in a row for the NL. This month, he has the best AVG, SLG, and OPS among NL hitters.
He has been nearly flawless. Despite people for some reason complaining about him not running out a random routine ground ball, or not getting to 3rd base a single time, he is excellent.
Related: Bryce Harper Not Running Out Every Ground Ball Is A Good Thing
People who complain about anything he does right now, just have unreasonable expectations. They want perfection, which is impossible. Tyrone Johnson said this a few weeks ago, and it is more relevant now than it was then.
Just appreciate the greatness while we have it. Harper is on track to be among the best hitters in Phillies history. He already has 2 MVPs, and has a chance at a 3rd this season. He is going to go into the Hall of Fame. He is going to reach at least 400 HRs, maybe 500. He might have 300 as a Phillie.
Bryce Harper is insanely good. Stop looking for things to nitpick, and enjoy the fact we get to watch one of the best baseball players of this generation on a nightly basis. This is a guy whose number will be retired by the Phillies.
Harper is special.