Philadelphia Phillies Slugger Predicted to Win MVP in 2024
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After the Los Angeles Dodgers added Shohei Ohtani, the potential MVP winner likely resides in California. With Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Ohtani, the Dodgers have three MVP favorites.
Unless, however, voters don't vote for them for that exact reason.
That's where a player like Philadelphia Phillies' superstar, Bryce Harper, comes into the mix. Even if MVP voters want to vote for Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts, Harper will be in the running for the National League Most Valuable Player award.
The two-time MVP won the award in 2015 and 2021. His 2021 season with the Phillies saw him slash .309/.429/.615, while hitting 35 home runs, an MLB-leading 42 doubles and 84 RBI.
With the season approaching, MLB.com predicted their major award winners for 2024.
Anthony Castrovince predicted that Harper will win the NL MVP, beating out the Los Angeles trio due to none of them "distinguishing" themselves as the clear MVP.
Other names mentioned by Castrovince were Ronald Acuna Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Matt Olson, and a possible MVP jump from NL Rookie of the Year, Corbin Carroll.
Harper came back from Tommy John surgery last season and didn't miss a beat. He slashed .293/.401/.499 with 21 home runs despite missing the early portion of the season. The fact that he continued to swing the bat at that type of level is even more impressive.
A third MVP for Harper would put him up there with some of the greats.
Mike Trout, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio, and Jimmie Fox have won three or more MVP awards in their careers.
Another one for Harper would solidify him as one of the best to ever step on the diamond.
