The MLB-best Philadelphia Phillies have had some incredible individual performances from up and down the roster through the first three months of the season, helping the team to a 56-29 record. Despite what seemed like a rocky June, battling challenging travel and injuries to key players, the Phillies finished the month 15-11 and hold a commanding 9.0-game lead in the NL East.
Two players who helped the team keep a winning record in June have been recognized as the top National League players, with first baseman Bryce Harper and starting pitcher Cristopher Sánchez earning NL Player and Pitcher of the Month honors.
Phillies' Bryce Harper and Cristopher Sánchez dominate June MLB awards
Despite missing the final weekend of June after landing on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain, Harper has been named the NL Player of the Month for the second consecutive month.
Back-to-back POTM awards for Bryce! pic.twitter.com/REzfCqp2zp
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 3, 2024
The starting NL All-Star first baseman put up monster numbers in his 23 games, slashing .374/.452/.714 with seven home runs, 16 RBI, 10 doubles, 13 walks and 20 runs scored. His 1.166 OPS and 17 extra-base hits led the NL.
The 31-year-old is having another MVP-caliber season. If he doesn't miss too much time and comes back strong, he'll have a legitimate shot at winning his third Most Valuable Player Award.
Cristopher Sánchez sparkles on the mound and earns a new contract
If you thought the Phillies' embarrassment of riches in the starting rotation couldn't get any better, somehow, the under-the-radar Sánchez was the best of the lot in June. En route to winning his first-career NL Pitcher of the Month Award, the lefty put up a 3-0 record in five starts, with a 1.64 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 23 strikeouts to just four walks.
Congratulations to the National League Pitcher of the Month, Cristopher Sánchez! pic.twitter.com/WMhoKExmeu
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 3, 2024
His ERA was second-best in the NL, while his WHIP led all qualified pitchers. He posted the best groundball rate at 61.8 percent and was the only qualified pitcher not to allow a home run.
The 27-year-old southpaw earned himself a nice payday, inking a $22.5 million, four-year extension that covers his arbitration years and gives the Phillies two options in 2029 and 2030.