Bryce Harper 'stumping' for Kris Bryant to sign with Phillies

Bryce Harper would like nothing more than longtime pal Kris Bryant to join him in Philly. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

NL MVP Bryce Harper reportedly 'stumping' for four-time All-Star Kris Bryant to sign with Phillies

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/11/22

Philadelphia Phillies star outfielder Bryce Harper is coming off a 2021 season in which he earned his second National League Most Valuable Player award. Still seeking his first World Series title, pennant or even postseason series victory, though, Harper is now reportedly seeking some help from a fellow player with not only an MVP to his credit, but also owns a World Series ring.

NL MVP Bryce Harper is stumping for good friend/Vegas neighbor Kris Bryant in Philly. Harper pull helped keep Realmuto. Phils have needs but also options (Schwarber, Conforto, Castellanos, etc.) KB does fit, either for 3B and/or OF. He, too, has options: Sea, Colo, SD, NYM, more
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022

Like Harper, Bryant was a highly touted prospect before making his MLB debut, as the former was chosen as the first-overall pick by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 June Amateur Draft, while the latter was selected by the Chicago Cubs with the second pick in 2013. In seven big-league seasons, "KB" has recorded 167 home runs, 487 RBIs, 592 runs scored, 914 hits and 204 doubles, while posting a .278/.376/.504 slash line.

Bryant earned his first All-Star appearance as a rookie in 2015, and after hitting 26 home runs and collecting 99 RBIs, the University of San Diego product was named the NL Rookie of the Year. Bryant's best season came in 2016, as he made another All-Star team and set career highs in home runs (39), RBIs (102), runs scored (121), hits (176), doubles (35) and slugging percentage (.554), while capturing the league's MVP award as well.

After some struggles during the 2015 playoffs, Bryant turned things around in the 2016 postseason, going 20-for-65 with three home runs, eight RBIs and 11 runs scored as the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908. The 30-year-old had another strong season in 2017, before being limited to 102 games in 2018.

Bryant returned to form in 2019, smashing 31 home runs and making his third All-Star team, and after the pandemic-altered 2020 season, made his fourth All-Star squad in 2021. The corner infielder/outfielder was moved to the San Francisco Giants in a trade just before the 2021 trade deadline in July.

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