After a difficult start to the 2024 season, Bryce Harper is in MVP form. The two-time MVP finished the first half slashing.The first-place Philadelphia Phillies have a 301/.403/.580 batting line with 21 home runs and 61 RBI.
If the season ended after the first half, Harper would have a strong case for another MVP. He has, at the very least, reestablished himself as one of the finest players in the sport following a couple of injury-plagued seasons. He’s the player in the Phillies’ stacked lineup that no pitcher wants to face.
When he’s at his best, Harper appears to be as confident as anyone in the league. He can hit any great pitcher, whether he throws with his right or left hand, with a 99-mph fastball or a wipeout slider.
Harper even appeared to want to face Mason Miller of the Oakland Athletics, possibly the best pitcher in the game right now. Miller said that was until he saw him pitch in person right now. Harper’s change of attitude provides President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski yet another reason to try to get Miller in a trade at the deadline.
The Phillies’ trade for Mason Miller would make much more sense after Bryce Harper’s stance.
Miller told FanDuel that Oakland first base coach Bobby Crosby had told him Harper was excited to come up to bat against him. When Miller pitched a spotless ninth inning against the Athletics and Phillies on Friday, striking out two and raising his fastball to 104 mph, Harper had a change of heart. Miller told Harper on the plane to the All-Star Game in Arlington, Texas, that he had heard he wanted to play him. Harper’s response was simple.
“Ahhh, I’m good,” Harper said Miller.
Harper does not back down from anyone. The fact that he didn’t rush to the plate to face Miller after seeing him throw demonstrates Miller’s incredible talent.
The right-hander has a 2.27 ERA in 33 appearances and 39.2 innings pitched. He has struck out 46.7% of batters he’s faced. He’s converted 15 of his 17 save opportunities. Despite this being Miller’s first full MLB season, he was named an AL All-Star.
To acquire Miller, the Phillies would have to make an outrageous trade given how much team control he has. In fact, it’s fair to say they shouldn’t part with the resources required to pull off a Miller blockbuster. Still, if a talent like Harper is hesitant to confront Miller, you know he’s unique.
The Phillies may use another back-end reliever. Miller is the perfect fit. Maybe Harper can persuade Philadelphia’s front office to make the move. We’ve seen him wield influence before. A Miller deal would make the presumed World Series favourites much scarier.
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