Throughout his three seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, Bryce Harper has talked about how he doesn't like to reflect on a given season -- either from an individual or team perspective -- until the season is over. The six-time All-Star likes to remain in the moment until the season concludes.
The latest example of that, well, it's pretty funny.
You may have noticed recently that while Harper has continued to post relatively regularly on Instagram, you can't comment on any of his posts made since August started. In a tremendous feature by Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated, Harper explained why that is:
"It was actually so I don’t have to listen to people talking about me winning an MVP. I like stuff that gets me going more. Makes me work and makes me the best version of myself."
The 28-year-old is having his best season since a historically-dominant 2015 season saw him win the National League MVP as a member of the Washington Nationals. After two very good -- but perhaps not great -- seasons to begin his 13-year deal in Philadelphia, Harper may ride a strong second half to a second win of the senior circuit's most prestigious award.
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In 136 games this season, Harper is slashing .311/.433/.617 with 34 home runs, 82 RBIs, 99 walks, a 1.050 OPS and a 6.5 fWAR. The final few days of the season may decide whether Harper or his former teammate Juan Soto wins the National League MVP, but if anyone needed a reminder that Harper's on pace to reach the Baseball Hall of Fame, he's provided it in the second half of the 2021 season.
The picture isn't as rosy for the Phillies as a whole. Though they are just a victory away from posting their first winning season since 2011, they are 3 1/2 games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East with only five games left on their 2021 slate.
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