The Big Thing Bryce Harper Is Missing

Since being called the “chosen one” and gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2009 before even being drafted; Bryce Harper has lived up to the hype. Love him or hate him you can’t deny greatness when it’s seen. Individually, Harper has won many major awards during his career. While Harper is undoubtedly a surefire Hall of Famer, the one big thing missing from his accomplishments is a World Series ring. Bryce Harper’s career would be incomplete if he didn’t win a championship.

Experiencing Fame Early

Bryce Harper was bigger than the game before even setting foot on a Major League Baseball field. He even dropped out of high school and earned his GED in his junior year. He was later reclassified to be eligible earlier for the 2010 MLB Draft. At the age of 17, Harper enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada in the NJCAA. Despite being under the age of 18, Harper won the “Golden Spikes” award as the best amateur baseball player in the country.

A Very Accomplished Early Career with the Washington Nationals

That same year, Bryce Harper would be drafted first overall by the Washington Nationals. It would only take him two years to reach the show. Harper would go on to win the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2012 and appear in his first all-star game. Harper would also help the Nationals win their very first NL East title in franchise history. The Nationals would also reach the postseason for the first time since 1981 when they were the Montreal Expos. Washington would bow out in the NLDS in five games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

 In seven seasons in Washington, Haper had a very accomplished tenure. He put up a slash line of .279/.388/.512 with 184 home runs, 512 RBIs, and an OPS of .900. Harper’s awards include the 2012 Rookie of the Year award, an MVP, a Silver Slugger, and six All-Star nods. He even won the Home Run Derby in the Nationals home ballpark in his final season there in 2018. Harper also helped Washington win four NL East titles during his time with the team.

Continued Success with the Philadelphia Phillies

After the 2018 season, Harper was a free agent for the first time in his career. Despite wanting to return to Washington, he would sign a then-record 13-year, $330 million contract with the division rival Philadelphia Phillies. Harper has continued to have success. So far in his five seasons in Philadelphia, Harper has put up a slash line of .284/.395/.536 with 122 home runs, 368 RBI, and an OPS of .912. He’s been selected to an All-Star game, earned another Silver Slugger award, and also won his second career MVP award.

Failing to Win the Big One So Far

After missing the postseason in Haper’s first three seasons, Philadelphia advanced all the way to the World Series in 2022. Haper would be named the NLCS MVP. However, the Phillies would lose in the World Series in six games against the Houston Astros. Haper’s bat was kept mostly at bay by Houston pitchers. This season Philadelphia would again return to the NLCS; however, they were upset by an Arizona Diamondbacks team on a Cinderella run in seven games. Harper’s bat once again fizzled out when Philadelphia needed it most.

Time Is Starting to Run Out

Time is starting to run out for Harper to win a championship. He’s 31 years old and has recently been hampered by injuries the past two seasons. To extend his career, this season, Philadelphia had Harper playing primarily as a first baseman and designated hitter rather than his normal outfield position.

Bryce Harper has no doubt had a Hall-of-Fame career. However, his career isn’t as successful without winning a World Series championship. He wouldn’t completely reach the potential that put him on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a high schooler. While it’s not all on Harper for his teams not winning crucial games, he hasn’t helped the cause by failing to perform when it matters most like in the 2022 World Series. While his career certainly isn’t a failure, he however would be viewed more like how Dan Marino is in the NFL without winning a championship.

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