Bryce Harper is off to one hell of a start. I’ve written about his April performances in the past, but this season has been special. Through 17 games, he is slashing an absurd .315/.487/.778. We all know that Bryce is one of the best talents in the game. What has stood out to me has been his discipline at the plate so far. Last year, he struck out 31 more times than he walked (99 SO to 68 BB). This year he has already taken 21 walks and only struck out 11 times. If he can keep up that pace we should expect some scary numbers from Harper, he has never walked more than he has struck out over a full season. Being on base more has allowed him to score 17 runs for his team. And don’t think that his new found discipline has slowed down his production numbers. He’s leading the league with 8 home runs and has driven in 17 already. He hit his 8th homer last night at Citi Field in jaw dropping fashion. He took Jacob deGrom 406 feet to right field while shattering his bat, displaying the raw strength his swing generates. Most players can barely get the ball out of the infield when they break their bat, Bryce goes deep. Harper’s bat disintegrated at the plate, leaving nothing but the handle in his hand, but the ball still got out of the park in a hurry. Harper joined a very short list of MLB sluggers to accomplish such a feat. Check out Harper’s and others in the video below. Bryce is locked in right now and the league better watch out. If Harper can keep this pace up, we’re in for a historic season. And it comes at the perfect time, he will hit the free agent market this winter and could become the highest paid player ever. I know it’s early, but I’m penciling Bryce in for MVP. You heard it here first.
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