We've Underappreciated Bryce Harper
Two years ago, when Bryce Harper was in the midst of his second MVP campaign, I wrote a blog about how Bryce Harper was never overrated. I feel like we've seen a lot of revisionist history in regard to opinions about Bryce Harper. There was a period in which he was widely believed to be one of the most overrated players in baseball. Things reached a fever pitch after the Nationals won the World Series in 2019, a year after losing Bryce Harper in free agency. Now, people who shared that opinion aren't exactly people whose opinions I respected. Over the last several years, the discourse has changed. Bryce Harper is as unanimously loved by the fanbase as any Philadelphia athlete of recent memory. Yesterday, he hit his 300th career home run. The career accomplishments speak for themselves, but in many ways, we have underappreciated Bryce Harper.
Bryce Harper came into the league as one of the most highly sought-after prospects in baseball history. The expectation was either Hall of Fame or bust. Well, he's going to be in the Hall of Fame. He's been a franchise player for two different teams, won an MVP with both of those teams, and won Rookie of the Year. He's already made seven All-Star teams, and he just turned 30. He came back from Tommy John surgery in record time and has put up an OPS this season above .900. He's also been an absolute monster in the postseason, posting a .963 OPS in 36 games, including taking home NLCS MVP last season with his all-time clutch blast in Gave Five against the Padres. 
Durability has been an issue at points for Bryce Harper. Because of the injuries, his ability to be an elite outfielder has taken a step back. The Phillies have done the right thing with him. They put them in the lineup to mash. And that's exactly what he does. You also have to give him credit for being one of those rare superstar athletes who has the ability to leave his ego at the door. Philadelphia needed a first baseman, and they've had Harper play first base for him. There's a lot of athletes that wouldn't risk that. Bryce Harper is simply built different.
It always seemed like people's biggest criticism for Bryce Harper was that he wasn't Mike Trout. They were called up around the same time, and they were both huge prospects. Trout's legacy speaks for itself. He's a three-time MVP who could retire tomorrow and be a first bell Hall of Famer. But because of the team Mike Trout plays for, he's sadly avoided the spotlight for much of his career. The average baseball fan doesn't tune in to watch a 75 win Angels team in the middle of August. Harper has yet to win a World Series, but he's been a part of many pennant chases, and he's played in the World Series once. He took more money to go to Philadelphia. That's what 99% of athletes would choose to do. Unlike some players, he got his bag and never wavered. I love watching Bryce Harper play the game. He is unflappable with his passion. He's one of those players who would be happy going 0-4 if it meant his team would win. That's a rare quality in a superstar.
The Phillies find themselves in a similar place to what they found themselves in last year. They have no chance of catching the Braves in the division, but they will get a wildcard spot. This is a Dave Dombrowski run team. I never count those teams out in October. If the Phillies go on another deep October run with Bryce Harper at the forefront, I'm pretty sure the guy could probably run for mayor and win the election. You have to sit back and enjoy it. He's putting together a Hall of Fame résumé.