When the Philadelphia Phillies inked Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million mega-deal prior to the 2019 season, the organization was trying to get out of an extended postseason drought.
After the signing, it was clear that Harper became the face of the franchise, a role that he still holds presently. While the first three seasons of the "Showman's" tenure in Philadelphia failed to result in any playoff appearances, Harper put together a solid 2021 season which resulted in being elected the National League MVP and his first Silver Slugger Award with the club.
FanSided will be announcing this year's Silver Slugger Awards, which are voted on by MLB coaches and managers based strictly on performance at the plate. With the awards around the corner, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit Harper's first Silver Slugger as a Phillie.
Bryce Harper's epic first Silver Slugger season with the Phillies
In 2021, Major League Baseball was fresh off the Covid-19-shortened season. The Phillies' Opening Day lineup consisted of players who have been far removed from any of the current core. Andrew McCutchen batted leadoff, Adam Haseley started the game in centerfield and was later replaced by Roman Quinn, and Aaron Nola had three plate appearances before the institution of the designated hitter in the National League.
Harper was on the verge of winning his second MVP Award and hit well enough to win the Silver Slugger Award as an outfielder.
During that prolific season at the plate, the Phillies' $300 million man slashed .309/.429/.615 with an OPS of 1.044. The slugging right fielder also smashed 35 home runs while driving in 84 and scoring 101.
In terms of more advanced metrics, the former first overall pick posted a bWAR of 5.9 and 179 OPS+.
So those numbers are pretty good. How did they stack up overall that season? Well, Harper led MLB in slugging percentage, OPS and OPS+. He also led the NL in doubles (42) and extra-base hits (78), according to a Phillies press release announcing his Silver Slugger Award.
Harper's 2021 campaign put him in some unique company in the history of the game as well. He joined Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds and Stan Musial as just the fourth outfielder to have a season in which he walked over 100 times, scored 100 or more runs, hit at least 40 doubles, and have 35 or more home runs in the same season.
Since the 2021 season, the face of the franchise has earned two more Silver Slugger Awards in 2023 and 2024.
Ultimately, Harper's monstrous offensive season did not help the overall success of the team as they finished 6.5 games behind the eventual World Series champion Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
The year doesn't feel that long ago, yet somehow so much has changed. The Phillies have now made four straight postseason appearances (yes, they have all ended in disappointment) and have won two consecutive NL East titles.
As age catches up to him, Harper may not put together a season like 2021 again, however, his performance is paramount to the success of this Phillies ball club.