PHILADELPHIA— For the fourth time in his big league career, Bryce Harper has won a National League Silver Slugger Award.
This award is given to the best hitter at their respective position. Bryce was recently announced to have won the Silver Slugger for first base. This is the first time he has won the award at 1B, winning as the NL Designated Hitter in 2023 and in the outfield in 2021 and 2015.
2024 was Harper’s first full season in this role. He famously switched positions in 2023 to help accommodate the void left by Rhys Hoskins. This transition helped the Phillies move Kyle Schwarber to the DH spot permanently and was a huge defensive boost. While the nomination is for his hitting accolades, Bryce has earned praise for his defense at first base as well, being nominated for a Gold Glove award in 2024.
Harper beats Alonso & Freeman.
Bryce beat out both Pete Alonso and Freddie Freeman, who were also nominated for the category. Freeman, of course, had a tremendous postseason for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Alonso’s heroics in the NL Wild Card Series may be the best moment in recent Mets’ history.
In 2024, Harper hit .285 with an OPS of .898. He ranked first in the National League in OPS and doubles. He ranked second in batting average, home runs, runs scored, runs batted in, and walks. He ranked at the top of nearly every single offensive category, in addition to being the All-Star starter.
Since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019, Bryce Harper is now a 2-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger, and 2021 National League MVP. He adds yet another accolade to his historic career and another trophy to his resume. I would expect Harper to continue to tally up these awards on his way to Cooperstown down the road.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
