Fansided

Home Run Derby looks like a turning point for Bryce Harper

By Brad Berreman

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 02: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 02, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 02: Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds during the eighth inning at Nationals Park on August 02, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Home Run Derby has been blamed for messing up hitters’ swings in the past, but Bryce Harper seems to have found something instead.

Heading into the All-Star break, the Washington Nationals were easy to tab as the most disappointing team in baseball. Bryce Harper was putting up good power numbers (23 home runs and getting on base at a solid clip (.365 OBP), but a .214 batting average was an easy point of criticism.

The Home Run Derby on Monday night of All-Star week is essentially glorified batting practice. It’s also an exhibition for fans, as the participants try to hit a lot of home runs and hit the ball as far as they can. The event has been blamed for hurting the swings of guys afterward, as bad habits get ingrained and carried into the second half of the season.

Harper was the feel-good story this year, winning the Home Run Derby in his home park. As he possibly enters his last months with the Nationals, ahead of hitting free agency after the season, it was a nice moment for the fans.

Trade rumors surfaced surrounding Harper heading into Tuesday’s deadline, but general manager Mike Rizzo mostly kept the Nationals together for potentially one last run as currently constructed. With a three-game winning streak going, and a couple young, unproven teams ahead of them in the NL East, a run to the postseason can’t be ruled out.

Entering Friday’s action, Washington is five games back in the NL East and 4.5 games back of the second Wild Card. Harper is doing his part to help any surge to a playoff spot down the stretch.

In 12 games since the All-Star break, Harper has a .359/.480/.692 slash-line with three home runs and 13 RBI. He has multiple hits in three straight games, and his batting average for the season is up to its highest point since June 3 (.230).

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Maybe the Home Run Derby allowed Harper to relax and find his groove again. In any case, that mid-July break looks like the critical turning point in the season for himself and the Nationals.

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