Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Phillies Bryce Harper's NL MVP Case is Reaching a Fever Pitch
The Philadelphia Phillies sit three games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East with just 12 games left to play in the 2021 season. As we have said, where Bryce Harper goes, so too does this team.
For that reason, he now leads the pack in terms of NL MVP candidates.
The presumptive NL MVP candidates heading into the season were San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís, Jr. and Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr. The former, despite injury struggles, is still very much in the mix. Acuña Jr., however, experienced a season-ending ACL tear in July.
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Despite the "what could have beens," Harper has taken advantage of the landscape with his performance this season, especially after being placed on the injured May 25 and being reactivated on June 5.
Since then, he has slashed .327/.440/.676. There has been a lot of talk about Harper's incredible post-All-Star break numbers in which he has hit to the tune of .347/.481/.743, but he's been doing this well before the break. In fact, he's only gotten better as the season has gone on, and he has been arguably the best player in baseball since the All-Star break.
Despite injury woes, the up and down performances of the bullpen, and the lack of help from the minor league system, this Phillies team is still fighting for a postseason berth in September.
If you think it's because Harper has been dragging this team along, then you're absolutely correct. Despite the MVP award at times being a popularity contest, Harper has been the definition of the most valuable player for his team. The numbers, the leadership, the drive, they all back up his case.
But, Harper isn't going to walk away with the award, not yet at least. We would be remiss if we didn't mention his competitor in this MVP race: Tatís Jr.
Tatís Jr. has become the "face of baseball" and with good reason. He is exciting, electric, and can be one of the most prolific players in the sport. The shortstop-sometimes-outfielder is a key catalyst in helping propel the Padres to relevancy once again, especially in a daunting NL West.
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As mentioned before, he was the presumptive NL MVP not just at the start of the season, but even as recently as a month ago. However, as exciting as he is, he is just as injury-prone due to lingering shoulder issues.
Despite the injury, Tatís Jr. realizes what he means to San Diego and will do whatever it takes to be on the field to help them win. He is still slashing .285/.368/.618 on the season. But, just like the declining Padres, has trailed off as of late, slugging just .500 since the start of September.
Harper, on the other hand, is slugging .787. That is the best in the majors since the start of the month and reflects why the Phillies have been climbing up in the standings for the division and Wild Card races.
That is what an MVP does this time of year.
If Harper does end up with the NL MVP crown on his head, it will be a special feat. Only four players have won an MVP award the same year they didn't make the cut for the All-Star game. The last one to do it? That's right, Jimmy Rollins in 2007.
It's odd to think Harper has something left to prove at this point in his career. Yet, here we are and here he is proving why his $330 million contract was a smart financial move by the Phillies.
Philadelphia remains relevant in the playoff race because of Harper's consistency every series, every game, and every plate appearance. Harper's MVP case has been made, now everything else just needs to fall into place.
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