41 Percent. That's the number of players that believed Bryce Harper was the most overrated player in Major League Baseball in ESPN the Magazine's player poll released this past Spring. The poll would mark the second consecutive year that Harper would carry the distinction of leagues most overrated player. Early returns are, he won't be winning a third consecutive title. Despite the Washington National's struggles, Harper, just 22, produced one of the most impressive offensive performances in recent memory.
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| Harper ranked in the top five of nearly every offensive category in 2015 |
The biggest criticism of Harper's 2015 season? The performance of his team. Being unable to navigate a National's team marred by injury and inconsistent pitching to a playoff berth would certainly cost Harper's MVP bid in any other season, but who should win this year's award isn't even up for discussion. 2015 saw Harper dominate almost every offensive statistical category. Harper ranked first in the Majors in on base percentage and slugging, while ranking third in batting average (second in the NL), posting an impressive .330/.460/.649. His 9.9 wins above replacement were also best in the majors, while he trailed only Joey Votto with 124 walks. Harper's 99 RBIs were good enough for 5th in the NL, while his 118 runs were good for the top spot. Harper's 146.1 runs created also topped the majors, while his 81 extra base hits put him in the top 5 of all of baseball.
Beyond the gaudy offensive numbers, the most discernible impact of Bryce Harper's game came with his newfound patience at the plate. In 2015, Bryce saw an average of 4.1 pitches per plate appearance, up from 3.9 in 2014. Even more indicative of Harper's maturation at the plate is his strikeout to walk ratio of nearly 1:1 (124 BBs and 131 Ks) as compared to nearly 5:2 in 2014 (38 BBs and 104 Ks). Harper took the next step in 2015, turning into the offensive juggernaut he was touted to be out of high school. His offensive game has evolved. In 2014, Harper could capitalize on mistakes. 2015 Harper's patient approach allowed him to capitalize on perfect pitches. Harper's 1.1090 OPS marked the first time a player posted a OPS above 1.100 since Albert Pujols in 2008. Harper, at 22, is the youngest player ever to post a OPS greater than 1.100, tied with hall of famers Ted Williams and Joe Kelley.
Bryce Harper started 2015 as the most overrated player according to MLB players. He'll end the year as the NL's most valuable, and it's not even close.
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