Bryce Harper is National League MVP

The Phillies season outcome was not what they had hoped, missing the playoffs for a tenth season in a row.  But for Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper, the season was something special.  After taking home some other hardware this off-season, including the Hank Aaron Award and a Silver Slugger award, Harper has taken home the ultimate award.

“What Bryce did this season was extraordinary,” said Phillies Managing Partner John Middleton. “With this award he joins a fraternity of some of the greatest players to ever wear a Phillies uniform. I am so happy for Bryce that his historic 2021 season is being recognized with numerous honors and the pinnacle of them all, the Most Valuable Player Award.”

On MLB Network, Phillies legend Mike Schmidt announced the award.  Harper is the first Phillie to take home the award since Ryan Howard in 2006.  Schmidt won his own awards in 1980, 1981, and 1986.

Harper previously won the award in 2015 as a member of the Washington Nationals.

“To be able to win this award again means so much to me personally,” said Harper.  “I take pride in giving my all every time I’m on the field and playing the game the right way.  I have great teammates and an incredible fan base who pushed me all season and helped bring this award back home to the great city of Philadelphia.”

Speaking of the Nationals, Harper beat our Nationals outfielder Juan Soto and San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis, Jr.,  the other finalists.

Harper batted .309 while hitting 35 home runs and compiling a WAR of 5.9 in 2021.   But what made Harper most valuable is that he arguably kept the Phillies in the division race until the last week of the season.

For the Phillies, Harper is the sixth player to win the MVP Award in franchise history as he joins Jimmy Rollins (2007), Howard (2006), Mike Schmidt (1980, 1981, 1986), Jim Konstanty (1950) and Klein (1931, 1932).