MLB Spring Training 2014: Bryce Harper explains buff upper body

When you think of MLB players, you generally think of svelte, lean and muscular guys who are as flexible as your childhood Gumby doll (unless you are thinking of Barry Bonds). But Bryce Harper showed up to the Washington Nationals camp looking like he was ready for his WWE ring appearance.

While some pointed to Harper as looking “fat” (which he vehemently defended), others immediately jumped to the steroid discussion, thinking that a single offseason was awfully quick for the young Harper to start looking so buff.

Harper recently discussed his rebuilt upper-body, which he attributes to lots of gym time and down home healthy cooking from his mom.

From CBS DC:

"“I didn’t really have a lower body for two months. It was like I was in a wheelchair trying to just do the upper body. So I’d go to the gym and only be able to work my upper body. I’d get bored during the day, go to the gym. That’s what I like to do, I like to lift. I work my ever-loving tail off in the gym.” – Bryce Harper"

So before you start jumping to conclusions about Harper, you’d better check his beginning at 5:00 am workout schedule.

Harper told CBS sports that he has trouble keeping weight on during the season, so he wanted to come into Spring Training filled out and ready to go.

Mission. Accomplished.