Immense hype has followed Bryce Harper throughout his young baseball career, but he truly began to fulfill it with a monster 2015 MLB season.
The Washington Nationals star was rewarded by his peers Monday, taking home National League Outstanding Player honors at the Players Choice Awards, the MLB announced:
Harper beat out other worthy finalists in Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Nolan Arenado (Colorado Rockies) for the accolade. Those around baseball gave Harper the prestigious distinction in a year he matured as a person and player.
Expectations were high for the Nationals and Harper in 2015. Washington was touted as a World Series contender, and Harper did his part to contribute, but turbulence troubled the club in the nation's capital, leading to the firing of manager Matt Williams at season's end and uncertainty on the horizon for a talented team.
With a slash line of .330/.460/.649 and 42 home runs to go with 99 RBI, it was nearly impossible for opponents to keep Harper off base—or in the ballpark, for that matter. The only slight negative to Harper's 2015 campaign was a career-high seven errors in the outfield, which he offset to a degree with nine assists.
Fans of America's pastime and Washington have reason to have huge hopes for Harper's future. His teammate, Jayson Werth, described how Harper became more receptive to mentoring as opposed to years past, per the Washington Post's Thomas Boswell:
When you're young or new, it's tough. ... We've always loved him. But being who he is, when you're "That Guy," especially at that age, it's hard — nothing is normal. He wasn't always receptive. ... This year, he's shown the guys in here the intangibles that you think of in an MVP-caliber player.
The 23-year-old phenom is only beginning to realize his potential. Whether Harper can maintain focus amid his latest raging success and push himself to continue improving will determine how great he can be. On pure ability alone, there seems to be no ceiling for Harper's upside.
It therefore stands to reason Harper will be up for Most Outstanding Player and NL MVP more often than not in his prime. Any seasons in the future that emulate his 2015 performance will be plenty to merit such distinguishing.
Note: Advanced stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.
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