$330 Million... Bust?

Article by: Zach Henley 

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$300 million.... That was the big number this off season with a ton of big names. Bryce Harper came out of free agency with a new home and a $330 million contract. This signing for the Phillies felt like hitting the jackpot. Jerseys were selling out and tickets were being bought at alarming rates. With this leading into the season, Harper showed exciting promise for the fans of Philadelphia, rejuvenating this fanbase entirely. 

Now fast forward two months into the season, has the signing been worth the price? Harper currently has a career low 29% strikeout rate along with a sub .240 batting average. These numbers do not seem worth $330 million. Now to Harper’s defense, he leads the majors in walks with 31 and has a very high OPS. Even with these couple promising numbers, the home runs, RBI’s and batting average have all been well below, at least in terms of what is expected of Bryce. 

This first half is vert reminiscent to a year ago where Bryce also struggled before heating up in the back half of the season. For the sake of Bryce Harper and his reception in Philly, he needs to step it up. Philadelphia has one of the most brutal and emotional fanbases in all of sports. The fans at Citizens Bank Park have already booed Bryce and they will continue to boo him as long as he struggles. Contrasted to the booing, the fans will also lose their mind for Bryce the moment he starts to heat up.

I hope to see Harper regain his superstar play and help the potential loaded Phillies go far this season. Fans will wait as long as it takes, but the question is; Is Bryce Harper a $330 million bust? Right now it definitely looks like it, but the season is still young so we'll just have to sit back and pray that he can turn things around sooner rather than later... 

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