Bryce Harper By The Numbers: Why Is He So Coveted?
Bryce Harper. I remember hearing that name way before I should have known it. It was around 2009, like the linked article. Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp had monstrous years, Clayton Kershaw went 8-8 that year, and Manny Ramirez was still a Dodger. Hard to believe a baseball generation has passed since Harper’s legend was already beginning to build.
Bryce Harper was only 16 years old.
In the past week or so, it’s been reported that the Dodgers have been in heavy pursuit of Bryce Harper. The Dodgers have the money, they have the resources, and they have the x-factors many free agents would want to see in a team that is pursuing them. Let’s take a look at why Bryce Harper is one of the biggest free agent signings in the past many years
Bryce Harper’s Early Years
Well after batting .569 with an OBP of .689 as a sophomore playing varsity baseball, he enrolled at College of Southern Nevada. In 66 games, he hit 31 home runs, 98 RBIs, hitting .443/.526/.987. He was then drafted #1 by the Nationals in 2010. He played a total of 139 games in the minors, hitting 23 home runs, batting .300 with a .397 OBP. The kid did not disappoint at a single level.
Major League Numbers
Here are his major league totals during his 6 year career.
| Year | Tm | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012-2018 | WSN | 927 | 3957 | 3306 | 610 | 922 | 183 | 18 | 184 | 521 | 75 | 31 | 585 | 834 | .279 | .388 | .512 | .900 |
| 162 | 692 | 578 | 107 | 161 | 32 | 3 | 32 | 91 | 13 | 5 | 102 | 146 | .279 | .388 | .512 | .900 |
Now averaging out his career stats into a 162 game season isn’t exactly the fairest way gauge the level of success he’ll have, but with Bryce Harper it would be par for the course. 32 dingers with a .388 OBP is fantastic and would sit well in the middle of the order for the Dodgers. He got off to a horrific start last year but his 2nd half was a screaming return to form.
Can He Repeat 2015?
In 2015 Bryce Harper won his first MVP award.
G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
| 153 | 654 | 521 | 118 | 172 | 38 | 1 | 42 | 99 | 6 | 4 | 124 | 131 | .330 | .460 | .649 | 1.109 |
He also had posted:
- WAR: 10.0 (BREF)
- WRC+: 197
- wOBA: 161
That is an absolute MONSTER MVP season. If he can post anything close to those numbers again, he’s honestly worth every penny and then some.
Defense
Defensive metrics can be confusing, so I’ll be brief and blunt. Last year he stunk in the outfield. He had a -26 DRS (defensive runs saved) rating. The other metric that is commonly used as a reliable metric is UZR (ultimate zone rating.) Bryce Harper’s UZR was a -16.7. This is alarming but it should be also said that he’s never been that bad in any other year. Most other years his numbers say he is average to passable as a right fielder. He has never been good in center field, however, and nobody should let him play center field. Please, don’t play Bryce Harper in center field.
He DOES however, have an absolute cannon in the outfield.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2aKGJP6P0E
Do Dodger Fans Want Bryce Harper?
We asked Dodger fans a few days ago whether you wanted the Dodgers to pursue Bryce Harper. Here are the results.
Do you want the #Dodgers to go after Bryce Harper?
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 4, 2018
67% were in favor or pursuing Bryce Harper. Here are some of the things Dodger fans said on the subject.
https://twitter.com/jacktink/status/1070009143912792064
We need pitching and a second baseman and a catcher, not another outfielder in an already crowded and talented outfield. Save yourself $300M and go after what we really need.
— nulokz (@nuru0369) December 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/LADodgers2019/status/1070009231670034434
https://twitter.com/TheDreamNassim/status/1070020972038639617
Final Thoughts
Bryce Harper is in the upper echelon of hitters. There’s no denying that. His talent is un-deniable and leads a high ceiling. The Dodgers however, have made it to two consecutive World Series without a Bryce Harper. Could he put us over the edge in the playoffs? Possibly. He will cost a fortune, and that fortune will put a dent in the ability to get bullpen help, and a catcher.
Still, he’s a powerhouse bat that anybody would want in their lineup. What do you think? Comment below.
Dodgers Nation Staff Roundtable: Bryce Harper
Would you rather have a good 2nd and catcher who can both hit or a guy who will need to become a dh in a few yrs?
All BS.. we don’t need Harper… we need a better front office and better manger.. we have quality players.. just let them play everyday!!!!
I can assure you the Dodgers have many options working right now. They could get Harper, Realmuto, Pollock, Robertson. All or none. There will also be at least one move no one of saw coming. I think your going to see one of the busiest off seasons in Dodgers History, with or without a Harper signing. Personally I pass on Harper, continue to increase the asking price on him, and sign Pollock.
Ryan, I would prefer Pollock myself and he would not cost nearly as much. He is a RHB and certainly would come into play if Dodgers move both Kemp and Puig.
Agree with you Paul for all the reasons you mentioned. Plus, he’s not a cancer like Harper is.