Bryce Harper Wins MVP, Salvages A Disappointing Phils Season
The news is official: Bryce Harper has won his 2nd career National League MVP award and has entered rare territory for winning it for two different teams. In fact, just him and Barry Bonds are the only two players to win an MVP for two different teams before turning the age of 30. Both of his MVP wins were well deserved, but it’s interesting to point out the his teams did poorly in both seasons. The Washington Nationals went 83-79 in 2015 and the Phillies went 82-80 in 2021. Even more bizarre that the Nationals won four division titles in the seven seasons Harper was there. Still, Bryce was the reason why the Phillies were still in the playoff race until the end of the season and missed significant time early in the year due to injury.
While it is truly mind-boggling how Harper’s teams underperform during his peak years, hopefully that narrative will change over the next decade with the Phillies. Despite the team’s lack of success in the Harper Era, his mega-signing in 2018 was the right move by the ballclub and he’s done his part to make the Phillies matter.
Considering how bleak it’s been to be a Phillies fans since last September, we should still celebrate our guy’s MVP win, the 3rd Phillie to win it in this century. Harper’s performance was one of just a couple bright spots in another miserable year. Fingers crossed that he continues what should be a Hall of Fame career in a Phillies uniform for the next decade and doesn’t become like A-Rod on the Rangers.
With this brief time to celebrate, here’s a look at notable reactions to Bryce’s MVP victory:
The confirmation:
Bryce Harper wins NL MVP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 18, 2021
#HarperLent was worth it.
— Jack Fritz (@JackFritzWIP) November 18, 2021
Agreed!
MVP
Bryce Harper is your 2021 NL MVP, his 2nd career Most Valuable Player Award pic.twitter.com/JuYON0K2kY
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) November 18, 2021
Harper won it convincingly!
Here’s the top 5 in NL MVP voting @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/4nVIxiHWIP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 18, 2021
In the history of baseball, only two players have won an MVP award for two different teams before turning 30: Barry Bonds and Bryce Harper.
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) November 18, 2021
Facts.
CONGRATULATIONS NL MVP, @bryceharper3!!
Well deserved in every way. Busted his ass for this city and this team on a nightly basis. Every at-bat became must see TV
Philadelphia is lucky to have this guy
pic.twitter.com/1FGNw0elZd— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) November 18, 2021
Make some room on the mantel. @bryceharper3 is your 2021 National League MVP. pic.twitter.com/E2QaX8ZQmq
— MLB (@MLB) November 18, 2021
BRYCE HARPER IS YOUR NL MVP
pic.twitter.com/5GTupkN7gP— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) November 18, 2021
— James Seltzer (@JamesSeltzer) November 18, 2021
https://twitter.com/Phillies/status/1461475623457673220?s=20
MVP x2 🏆🏆
Bryce Harper wins NL MVP for the 2nd time in his career 👏 pic.twitter.com/t6NRaMivQt
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 18, 2021
Imagine not being an All-Star and winning MVP? 🤯
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) November 18, 2021
Ikr, imagine that!
Ike!
😎 Perfect time to share my photo with the NL MVP #MV3 pic.twitter.com/0Uo0DsG0pB
— Ike Reese (@Ike58Reese) November 18, 2021
Come on man
— Mike Missanelli (@MikeMiss25) July 28, 2021
Mikey Miss gets Old Takes Exposed!
Reminder that Bryce started this season getting hit in the face, thanks Chef Dan!
Bryce is emotional after winning his second MVP. pic.twitter.com/fHAbrMljvd
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) November 18, 2021
Even Soto congratulates his former teammate
https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1461485825645031436?s=20
I'm motivated by the fear of being average. -Bryce Harper pic.twitter.com/BbGrxE1HBU
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) November 18, 2021