5 Reasons Why Bryce Harper Is The Best Right Fielder In MLB Going Into 2016 Season

By Dustin Martyn

Bryce Harper had one of the best seasons in recent baseball history in 2015 with the Washington Nationals, on his way to winning his first MVP award. Many had expected Harper to live up to his phenom status immediately after entering MLB, but it took a couple of years for Harper to finally put it together. Everyone could see the talent and potential that Harper possesses, but it was getting him to do it on a daily basis that became the issue. That issue can be put to rest now, with Harper exploding in 2015, sporting a batting line of .330/.460/.649 while hitting 42 HR. Harper has all eyes on him now as people begin to wonder if he will be able to duplicate his numbers in 2016. I honestly believe this is the beginning of the Harper era in baseball and he will only continue to get better, becoming the best player of his generation.

5 Reasons Why Bryce Harper Is The Best Right Fielder In MLB Going Into 2016 Season
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5. On-Base Percentage

On-Base Percentage Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Harper’s .460 OBP in 2015 was beyond remarkable. It was actually the best OBP in MLB since Chipper Jones in 2008! Expecting Harper to continue at the rate is asking a lot, considering his career OBP is .384, which is still quite impressive.

5. On-Base Percentage

Harper’s .460 OBP in 2015 was beyond remarkable. It was actually the best OBP in MLB since Chipper Jones in 2008! Expecting Harper to continue at the rate is asking a lot, considering his career OBP is .384, which is still quite impressive.

4. Slugging %

Slugging % Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Not only did Harper have an insane OBP in 2015, his slugging percentage at .649 was the best in MLB since Pujols in his heyday with the Cardinals in 2009. Again, Harper will have a hard time topping that in 2015, but he hasn’t even hit his prime.

4. Slugging %

Not only did Harper have an insane OBP in 2015, his slugging percentage at .649 was the best in MLB since Pujols in his heyday with the Cardinals in 2009. Again, Harper will have a hard time topping that in 2015, but he hasn’t even hit his prime.

3. 3- Time All-Star

3- Time All-Star Credit: Rob Carr/Getty Images
Harper is already a three-time All-Star at the age of 23, earning the honors in 2012, 2013 and 2015. When earning the honors in 2012, he also became the youngest position player ever to get invited to the Midsummer Classic.

3. 3- Time All-Star

Harper is already a three-time All-Star at the age of 23, earning the honors in 2012, 2013 and 2015. When earning the honors in 2012, he also became the youngest position player ever to get invited to the Midsummer Classic.

2. 2015 NL MVP

2015 NL MVP Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Harper winning the MVP is not only impressive, it was record breaking. While winning the MVP Award in 2015, Harper cemented his name in Nationals’ history, becoming the first Expo/National to win the award. He was also the youngest unanimous MVP.

2. 2015 NL MVP

Harper winning the MVP is not only impressive, it was record breaking. While winning the MVP Award in 2015, Harper cemented his name in Nationals’ history, becoming the first Expo/National to win the award. He was also the youngest unanimous MVP.

1. Potential

Potential Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
At age 23, Harper is already being seen as one of the best players of this generation. His potential is through the roof, even at this point in his career. He could become MLB’s first $400 million player when he becomes a free agent in 2018.

1. Potential

At age 23, Harper is already being seen as one of the best players of this generation. His potential is through the roof, even at this point in his career. He could become MLB’s first $400 million player when he becomes a free agent in 2018.

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