In a piece for the Sports Info Solutions blog, Mark Simon digs deep to try and find an explanation for Bryce Harper’s poor defensive ratings; he’s cost the Nationals 25 runs with his performance in the field, per Defensive Runs Saved. Simon notes that Harper ranks second-worst among all MLB position players in that metric, having played well below average both in right and center field. Simon objectively examines the categories in which the All-Star slugger has performed below his historical norms, such as range rating, deterrent value from his throwing arm, and the routes he’s taken to fly balls. Of course, defensive statistics are widely thought of as more subjective than most offensive stats, so it remains to be seen just how much any of these numbers will actually impact Harper’s value on the free agent market this offseason. As Simon notes, he’s certainly quelled mid-season concerns about his offensive capabilities by tattooing baseballs to the tune of a 1.004 OPS since the All-Star break. It will be interesting to see how Harper’s suitors factor his defensive performance into their offers over the course of the winter.
And now a pair of notes related to infielders…
- Jordan Bastian of MLB.com provides the highlights from a recent press Q&A with Josh Donaldson. Among the most interesting parts of the interview is Donaldson’s credit to NFL wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald for referring soft-tissue expert Dr. Josh Sandell to him. The third baseman also noted that he made some dietary changes during his recovery from injury, and discussed how he feels hitting-wise. “I’ve felt better,” said Donaldson. “I haven’t had much of the results to look for, but I feel like I’ve hit some balls hard. As long as my approach and how I’m seeing the ball — my pitch recognition — is up to par, and I’m hitting the ball solid, there’s not much more I can ask for from that.” The “Bringer of Rain” owns a .811 OPS in a small sample with the Indians as he attempts to help his new club get back to the World Series, all while making his bid for a big free agent payday.
- Though Cardinals infielder Kolten Wong left Friday’s game early due to cramping, Joe Trezza of MLB.com tweets that he’ll likely be available off the bench today, per manager Mike Shildt. Shildt is reportedly “very hopeful” that Wong can return to the starting lineup tomorrow. That’s in line with good news about the situation coming out of the Cardinals’ camp- the club believes that the cramping was due to dehydration, not a hamstring strain. Wong’s in the midst of the best season of his career by fWAR, having reached base in a third of his plate appearances while playing excellent defense in 869 2/3 innings at the keystone for St. Louis.
Harper was open earlier this season to try out first base. Wonder how that will affect his market if he’s willing to make the transition for a more full-time 1B role.
If he has to play 1B that would hurt his value
I wonder if he (or the Yankees) would consider it, if he indeed wants to play in New York.
Luke Voit is a nice story, raking this year, but it’s a small sample and in last year’s small sample, he wasn’t even league average. He reminds me of Shane Spencer’s dominance 20 years ago at the start of his career, although SS was out of this world that September..
Harper is 1.5 years younger as well, and his next 5-6 years are during his prime. Whether or not the Yankees would go after him, somebody would have to move to 1B.
If they were interested in Harper, I’d say him or Stanton… only because Stanton was drafted as a first baseman, so you would think even after 10+ years in the outfield that he’d do better than somebody who never played the position professionally.
It’s all for naught if the Yankees aren’t interested in Harper, but with him expressing wanting to be a Yankee in the past, I wonder if they’ll at least explore it.
He is not really a good outfielder though so I am not sure 1b hurts his value
Moving to 1st could also improve his chances of staying in Washington! That would open the outfield up for Soto, Robles, and Eaton!
Well I guess since Harper’s defensive metrics are so bad, we can count out the cubs from making a $184 million offer to him.
Don’t be surprised. After seeing this anemic offense I think I’d like to see him in center field. Keep almora as a defensive backup. I never want to see Happ or the man we can’t mention on here anymore in a Cubs uniform again. They will need a shortstop or second baseman whatever they go with in regards to Baez. Maybe try to resign Murphy to a one year deal
I don’t see Harper in Chicago. They are approaching the luxury tax and will only be increasing, as Bryant, Baez, Contreras, Hendricks, etc are going to making more every year. Pitching is their area of weakness. That’s where money/prospects needs to be spent.
Contreras can kick sand. He can’t frame can’t hit and can’t call a game. They are willing to go over and have money coming off the books if I recall correctly
You should be doomed to watch Cubs baseball from the 70s and 80s on a continuous loop. You’d be better off comparing postal workers than baseball players.
Harper is good in the outfield. I don’t think he should consider 1B until he hits his thirties. The only reason I could see him moving is to avoid more injuries, seeing that he’s had a pretty nasty collision in the outfield before.
There’s a marketing angle but otherwise you can spend the money more wisely, imho. Production-wise you should get similar results with a $20 mil per yr guy. Imho
Fair enough but what about the value that he and his brand bring to the prospective team?
Constantly overlooked. Arguably just as important to the owner as his actual production.
Priggs and Dimitri, you both nailed it, you both are spot on correct about Harper’s real value.
You may get a little more overall value from any other player, signed in his per year range, BUT there is not any other comparable player, that’s available, that’ll give you the value Harper provides from an off the field standpoint.
Whichever team that ultimately lands Harper, they are going to immediately further rejuvenate and invigorate their fan base.
This will unquestionably lead to some positive tangible results from a ticket and merchandise sales standpoint. Also, for what it is worth, their team will most likely be featured in more prime-time national coverage games..
These days in sports, fans are not solely, primarily fans of teams, but a lot of baseball fans are primarily big fans of particular star players, regardless of their team. So, on top of growing their own fan base, the team that signs Harper will also bring in, attract, and add those fans that solely root for Mr. Harper hisself…
Sooo yeah, let’s recap..
1.He puts more butts in the seats.
2. He increases merchandise sales.
3. He increases concession sales.
4. He immediately gives his team a higher profile leading to more national, world-wide, and prime-time exposure.
5. He increases a team’s marketability.
6. He increases TV ratings.
7. He provides significant leverage for a better TV deal.
8. He provides team with excellent offensive value, especially in terms of getting on base and power.
9. He provides his team with defensive versatility by being able to play all three OF positions.
10. He immediately provides protection for the hitters around him, allowing those hitters to see better pitches, thus theoretically increasing their value.
11. He brings an enthusiasm and youthful exuberance to any clubhouse.
12. He also brings some significant experience and a veteran leadership to any clubhouse.
13. Finally, he’s also a great leader and teammate. For example, he immediately took his young, 19 year-old, teammate and his fellow standout, Juan Soto, under his wing, providing him with a shoulder to lean on for any and everything, solely to help ease his transition into MLB and future stardom..
Those are just 13 examples of the on the field and off the field value Harper is going to bring to whichever team that ultimately signs him. So yeah, regardless of his contract, Harper is as close to a sure thing, in terms of a profitable investment, as it gets in professional baseball..No questions about it..
I agree that that is a big factor. Selling merch is value added.
Guys like Bryce, Manny, Kershaw, Trout, Lindor have marketing value to them. Sure, you could get similar production from a guy like Khris Davis, but are fans going to go and watch Khris Davis or Bryce Harper? Owners just want more money, and by spending 400 M over a course of 7-8 different players, spending it on 1 Bryce Harper over a period of 8-9 years ensures that the seats will be filled and the money will be flowing.
Everytime I’ve seen Harper in the outfield, he just seems lazy. He just jogs after the ball and doesn’t chase the ball into the corner; I guess that’s to be expected when you where pants that are 3 sizes too small on you
Checking out his buns?
I’m an outspoken NYY fan who wishes they sign him.
Even if they don’t, I’m a Harper fan.
Amazing people look for reasons to hate this guy:
“He wears his helmet too loose”
“He wears his pants too small”
Harper has never been a good outfielder. Very slow to get to the ball and seems overwhelmed on tough plays. Arm has always been good. Remember he came up as a catcher, most likely because he doesn’t move well.
Harper is the most overrated player in MLB. As a Yankees fan, I hope they have no interest in this guy. He isn’t a likable player and, in my opinion, not a winning player, either. Let the Dodgers sign him. Keep him away from the Bronx.
He’s overrated, but he’s got the potential of being a top 5 player in the MLB. He was arguably the best hitter in all of baseball in 2015, and if he gets into a groove he can carry a team.
Harper is not a good fit for NYY and certainly not a good mojo, nor fielder. He has not been associated with being a leader in the clubhouse and rumors say toxic in an indirect way. In any case NO way for $300M, precedents aren’t good. Go for another 30 HR guy at 1st and beef up Nats starting pitching.
It’s always seemed Washington has had to cover up Harper’s attitude. Altercations with teammates. Blowups in the field, on the bases and hitting. He hates playing defense. Only really likes hitting the long ball. Just doesn’t reflect as a person that would be or is a good team player. More impressed with how far he can hit the ball, rather than swinging for hits, average, and on base percentages.
Harper may be a fantastic person in all respects. However, most fans are like me and can only judge Harper buy observing his behavior on the baseball field.
I don’t get the Harper Hate. Easily one of the most potent bats in the game today. I would love him on the cubs. Pretty much can count on him to hit 30 dingers and sell tickets. The guy is great for the community as well. He will get paid by some team.
Mostly by fans of teams that would never be able to sign him anyway.
Good baseball cities don’t need big name marketing players to draw fans. Cards fill stadium and haven’t had any of the names listed above. Haven’t had a big marketing guy since pujols. Dumb to value a player based on drawing fans. If you need a name to draw fans, perhaps you should work on your brand and put a better product overall on the field.
Although it is true the Cardinals don’t need that to the same degree as other teams IMO. It is dumb to think that the Cardinals couldn’t use that or do not desire it. Over the last few years their desire for it has been in print. I’m not even going to look it up or bother to provide you the example because I shouldn’t have to as it was said numerous times last year in their pursuit of Stanton. Seemingly it was why they were not afraid of his history of injury. Think about the milestones Pujols has reached in Anaheim and what that would have looked like had he done it in a Cardinals uniform.
There isn’t fan base out there that wouldn’t love to have him on their team playing the outfield. As an Indians fan I know I would.
Excellent reply, “Dennid said”.
Greatcereral- sure – just like looking at candy until you taste it…that is until ur team forks out hundreds of millions for a 10 yr deal& you don’t get past the 1st round, ticket prices & concessions go up to help pay for Harper.
Been here seeing Nats since they arrived and seen him on the field. He can go be a DH in AL but not in NYY.