Fansided

5 best MLB performances from first half of the season

By Josh Criswell

Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Drew Storen (22) douse chocolate syrup on pitcher Max Scherzer (31) after Scherzer pitched a complete game shutout at Miller Park. The Nationals won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a two run homer against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 4, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a two run homer against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper is the other driving force behind the Washington Nationals’ success this season.

The former high school prodigy is actually playing up to, and possibly exceeding, the outrageous expectations that have followed him since before he was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft. Harper is one of two players with a real shot at winning the elusive Triple Crown this year, and heading into the All-Star Game is likely the favorite to win the National League MVP Award.

His 26 home runs are one less than Giancarlo Stanton for the most in MLB, but with the Miami Marlins’ slugger sidelined with a wrist injury, the National League home run title is now Harper’s to lose. He is currently nine RBI behind league leader Paul Goldschmidt, and his .339 batting average is just a fraction of a percentage point behind Goldschmidt in the National League batting title race.

Harper also leads the majors with 6.16 wins above replacement, a true testament to his ability to make an impact in all facets of the game.

The Nationals only hold a two-game division lead over the NL East rival New York Mets, but with a Cy Young candidate in Max Scherzer and an MVP favorite in Harper, they certainly have star power working to their advantage.

Next: Zack Greinke

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