Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is known for his bat, and rightfully so.
After all, he has won two National League MVP awards, in 2015 and 2021, mostly because of his offensive contributions.
But one of the most underrated parts of his game is his throwing arm: it’s strong and accurate, and it has earned him more than his fair share of outfield assists.
During a spring training game against the New York Yankees on Friday, Harper fielded a base hit to right field and unleashed a dart to home plate to retire DJ LeMahieu and end the scoring threat.
It was a beautifully thrown one-hopper, and the MLB official Twitter account posted it:
On this edition of Bryceball: pic.twitter.com/KjnA2Wp8Sc
— MLB (@MLB) March 25, 2022
Harper ranked eighth in the major leagues in outfield assists last season, with 10.
A Very Impressive Throwing Arm
The leader, Hunter Renfroe, had 16, so Harper’s total was actually worthy of respect.
Coming up from the minor leagues as a prospect in the early 2010s, Harper was seen as a five-tool player and a real difference-maker.
We often get caught up with his hitting tool, but the arm of an outfielder can also win and lose games.
Harper has a very good throwing arm.
You probably don’t need us to tell you that he is one of the prime candidates to repeat as the MVP of the National League.
His most burning desire, however, is probably get his Phillies to the postseason, something he came awfully close from achieving last season but he ultimately fell short.
He will have more help this year, as the Phillies brought in sluggers Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, among others.
The Phillies’ fate, however, will probably depend on Harper.
