by Jacob Marcial (7th)

Everyone is wondering about Bryce Harper’s performance as a Phillies player. He’s had a good start to this season and is getting on base consistently. Before this year, he also had an impressive 2022 season, especially in the playoffs, and he won the NL MVP that year. Since then, the Phillies have made the playoffs every season.

However, Harper has also gone through difficult stretches at the plate. There are times when he struggles to get hits, and the Phillies lose about 15% more games when he doesn’t record one.

Harper may play through the end of his contract and retire afterward, but some fans wonder if his performance will decline by the time his deal expires. Still, his career numbers are strong. Over 652 games, he has hit 131 home runs, recorded 392 RBIs, scored 405 runs, and won four Silver Slugger Awards.

Ultimately, I think Bryce Harper may be on the decline. Even though he is having a strong start to the season, I believe he will struggle at some point because of age and wear over time. In my opinion, he was an excellent signing when the Phillies got him in 2019, but I do not think he will return to being truly elite again. Because of that, I believe his 15-year contract may not fully live up to expectations.