MLB Power Rankings: Top 25 players 25 and under
By Jason Evans
Bryce Harper was the most hyped prospect probably ever. He was on the cover of SI in high school and was expected to come right into the pros and hit like Robert Redford in the Natural.
Harper came up and was an All-Star in two of his first three seasons. He missed time with various injuries, but you have to remember, he was 19 years old when he came in.
Harper then had one of the best seasons ever for any age let alone a 22-year-old.
Harper led the NL in runs with 118, tied for lead in homers with 42, led the NL with a .460 OBP and a .649 slugging percentage. He led NL players in WAR with 9.9.
He was even great defensively, saving eight runs.
When Harper becomes a free agent, it’s conceivable that he will get a contract worth half a billion dollars. He’ll also be 24 years old and can get a 12 or 13 year deal from any club that can afford him. It’s crazy to think how Harper isn’t even in the prime of his career quite yet. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the National League.
Next: 1. Mike Trout