Bryce Harper submits his claim as the true MLB Playoff G.O.A.T

When it comes to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper, he has staked his claim as the best postseason hitter in recent memory.

The Philadelphia Phillies made it to the postseason for the first time since 2011, and they have made it all the way to the World Series. The Phillies won the National League pennant after defeating the San Diego Padres 4-3 in Game 5 on Sunday.

Philadelphia won Game 5 after outfielder Bryce Harper crushed a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to give them a late lead. All they needed was to close out the Padres in the top of the ninth, which they did thanks in part to Ranger Suarez entering in relief of David Robertson to get the final two outs.

For Phillies fans who have declared that Harper has had one of the best postseason runs in history, you now have evidence to support that claim. Sheil Kapadia of The Ringer tweeted out that in the past 15 years, Harper has had the highest batting average and OPS among all 339 players that had at least 40 plate appearances in a single postseason in that span of time. That statistic comes courtesy of TruMediaSports.

Bryce Harper’s having the best postseason run in recent memory

Harper has recorded a .419 batting average and 1.351 OPS in Philadelphia’s 11 games this postseason.

Back in 2019, Harper was the top outfielder in free agency. After a bit of a lengthy wait, Harper agreed to sign a 13-year, $330 million contract extension. In 2021, Harper won the NL MVP award for the second time in his career, his first in a Phillies uniform. Then this season, Harper was elected to the All-Star Game.

With Game 5 in the books, Harper was named the NLCS MVP after he recorded a .400 batting average, two home runs, and three doubles.

Harper will look to continue his strong streak at the plate in the World Series, where he will play either the Houston Astros or New York Yankees.