Philadelphia Phillies: Ranking every MVP season in franchise history

Bryce Harper joins a short list of Phillies MVPs; here is a ranking of all eight.

Philadelphia Phillies franchise history was made Thursday evening, as star outfielder Bryce Harper was named the National League Most Valuable Player Award winner for the 2021 season.

Harper is just the sixth different Phillie all-time, and the third this millennium, to earn the prestigious Baseball Writers’ Association of America honor — joining shortstop Jimmy Rollins (2007); first baseman Ryan Howard (2006); third baseman Mike Schmidt (1980, 1981, 1986); pitcher Jim Konstanty (1950); and outfielder Chuck Klein (1932).

Fittingly, Schmidt (the only Phillies player to be named MVP multiple times) virtually presented the National League MVP award to Harper, as it was announced on MLB Network. The Las Vegas native earned his first MVP award as a 22-year-old with the division-rival Washington Nationals in 2015.

Nearly 90 years have passed since a Phillies outfielder was last named MVP — the Hall of Famer Klein in his age 27 season in 1932. Harper shined in his age 28 season, his third in red pinstripes since signing a then-MLB-record contract in early March 2019. Ten years still remain on Harper’s deal and, to the hope of Phillies fans, many more MVP-caliber seasons will surely follow.

This marks Harper’s most recent recognition in an already awards-filled offseason for the veteran. In recent weeks, Harper also was named an MLBPA Outstanding Player, as well as recognized with well-regarded Hank Aaron Award and Silver Slugger Award honors.

The franchise now has eight MVP awards overall in their trophy display case. Here is a ranking on each of them, starting with the can’t-miss, powerful season from the “Big Piece.”