Bryce harper did not play in the postseason in 2015, the year he was Most valuable Player (Mvp) of the National League. There are other recent examples of players taking home the accolade despite their team failing to qualify: Mike Trout (2016 and 2019), Giancarlo Stanton (2017), Albert Pujols (2008), Ryan Howard (2006), Barry Bonds (2004) and Alex Rodríguez (2003).
Harper is receiving consideration for this year’s award, but the Phillies They started the day on Saturday at 2.0 games for the Braves for the East led by the National and 2.5 for the Cardinals for the second Wild Card of the Old Circuit.
Harper’s chances of becoming an MVP will improve if the Phillies qualify. Many voters still think that the winner should be on a postseason team, even though there is no requirement. Not surprisingly, Phillies manager Joe Girardi thinks the best player in each league should be the winner, not the best on a playoff team.
“I think it is the one that has been the most valuable in the passing of a season,” he mentioned. “Does the Cy Young need to be on a postseason team? I do not believe it. He is the one who throws the best. It is difficult to define what is ‘most valuable’ at times, but they always come up with it at the end of the year ”.
Harper started Saturday night hitting .313 / .427 / .626 with 37 doubles, a triple, 32 homers, 77 RBIs and the majors’ best OPS, 1.054. His main rivals in that sense are Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman and the Dominicans Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr.
Only three Phillies have hit .300 / .400 / .500 since 1900 (minimum 500 times at bat): Howard (2006), Chuck Klein (1929-1930, 1932-1933) and Lefty O’Doul (1929-1930). Harper’s OPS + is the third best among all Phillies players since 1900. Only Mike Schmidt (198 in 1981) and Dick Allen (181 in 1966) did better.
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