Philadelphia Phillies: Gold Glove for Bryce Harper in 2020?

Could Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper win his first career Gold Glove this year?

Heading into his first season with the Philadelphia Phillies last year, there were two common criticisms being thrown around regarding Bryce Harper. 1) he strikes out too much and 2) he isn’t a good fielder. Considering he lead the entire National League in outfield assists last year, it’s safe to say he’s put at least one of those criticisms to rest.

Harper has a trophy shelf at home filled with all sorts of MLB awards. He’s won MVP, Rookie of the Year, a Silver Slugger, a Home Run Derby, and has been selected to six All-Star games. Despite being the highly decorated player that he currently is, one award that has routinely alluded him is the “Gold Glove”.

Harper was always an above average defender in his early days with Washington, peaking in 2013 when he recorded 13 outfield assists. However, as time went on, it began to appear like Harper was beginning to regress when it came to his glove. With a lack of effort being the main factor people cited, Harper recorded a measly one outfield during his final year in Washington (2018).

Considering how poor he was defensively in 2018, fans of Harper really weren’t expecting a whole from him in terms of defense moving forward. However, just a few weeks into last season and it was clear the $330 million outfielder was playing with a different level of intensity in Philly.

Harper hustled like no other out in right field, routinely tracking down balls that looked uncatchable and leaving his body on the line when it came to diving catches. There were multiple instances where Harper full-on threw himself into the foul line barricade in order to make a catch.

Harper finished 2019 tying his career high of 13 outfield assists, which actually was good enough to lead the entire National League. He also recorded nine defensive runs saved, which ranked him third amongst all right fielders in the MLB.

Harper’s defensive dominance earned him a spot as a finalist for the NL right fielders’ Gold Glove, but unfortunately did not earn him the award as it went to Cubs’ veteran Jason Heyward. Regardless, being named as a top three defensive right fielder is an achievement in itself.

Heading into 2020, it’s hard to imagine Harper would change his mindset defensively in the slightest. His hustle and determination to always make a play is what led to him being so valuable in 2019, and fans would be safe to assume the same will commence this year.

If Harper puts up similar defensive numbers this year as he did last year, there’s zero reason he couldn’t snag himself his first Gold Glove. In fact, a shortened season might actually benefit him in regards to winning the award, as the voters may put more value into “splash plays” like outfield assists rather than just fielding percentage.

Harper making such a swift improvement to his defense since coming to Philly is a fantastic sight to see. Defense has long been about simple hustle and effort, and it’s obvious Harper doesn’t lack either. It would be a shame if he never wins a physical Gold Glove award, but it doesn’t take away from his impact out in right field in the slightest.