Are the Phillies in danger of wasting Bryce Harper’s prime?
Are the Philadelphia Phillies wasting breakout Bryce?
Breakout Bryce is the best Bryce Harper for the Philadelphia Phillies, and that is exactly where we find ourselves in the early stages of the 2020 season.
The Phils, conversely, find themselves sputtering out of the gate, while Harper has done the exact opposite. Number 3 has exploded so far this season; slashing .347/.484/1.157. He has also added four long balls and 11 runs batted in, and has posted a WAR of 1.0 across the first 15 games. Oh yeah, and you can add reaching base safely in every game so far this season to that list as well.
Among those posting stats, Harper finds himself fifth in the National League in batting average, tied for first in OBP, second in OPS, and tied for fourth in runs scored.
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To put it bluntly, this is the player the Philadelphia Phillies’ brass envisioned Harper could be when they signed him to the massive 13-year, $330 million contract back on March 2nd, 2019; exactly 532 days ago.
Even in his first season in red pinstripes, Harper had a pretty good year; especially when you consider most pundits labeled last season a “down” year. In that “down season”, Harper still managed to smash 35 home runs and drive in 114 runs, to go along with a slash line of .260/.372/.882 and a WAR of 4.3.
Oh that’s right, Harper also played exceptional defense out in right field, which is newsworthy in itself, considering many believed he would eventually play out the later years of his contract entrenched as a designated hitter (assuming it makes its way to the NL full time, which feels inevitable).
The biggest concern I have in regards to the way the Phillies’ right fielder has played is the fact that the team finds itself with a record of 6-9 through the first 15 games, and in the basement of the National League East. It feels like the Phils are in danger of not only wasting Harper’s breakout this season, but of wasting his prime as a whole.
The front office continues to drag its feet with fellow star J.T Realmuto, has neglected the club’s issue in the bullpen, and has been awful at scouting and evaluating not only draft prospects but international signings as well. Essentially, the Phillies are a mess right now.
While there are still 11 more seasons after this one left on Harper’s deal, the clock is ticking in regards to getting him some help. At 27 years old (he will enter 2021 at 28 years old) you figure Harper is just now really entering his prime. There is no telling how long his “prime” years could last. One big positive in this situation is the idea that the DH will become full-time in the National League. You figure that could add some elite offensive seasons onto the backend of his contract. But what we do know, is the clock is ticking and the Phils will need to do something and do it soon.
Next. Alec Bohm is here to save the season. dark
This upcoming offseason will be massive for the ball club moving forward. They will need to do whatever it takes to improve and build around their franchise player. Breakout Bryce is fun, but not at the expense of winning. If nothing is done, the Philadelphia Phillies may be in danger of wasting the best years of Bryce Harper’s career.