Bryce Harper isn’t playing at the level he expects from himself — and he knows it. While several of his Phillies teammates have found ways to contribute early in the season, Harper, who’s on a $330 million contract, has struggled to find consistency. Speaking recently, the former MVP made it clear: he knows he needs to be a better player.
In the Phillies’ most recent loss — the series finale against the Diamondbacks — Harper had another frustrating night at the plate, particularly in the ninth and tenth innings. Reflecting on those key moments, he said: “It got in on me a little bit. Just frustrated I couldn’t come through right there. Obviously a big moment, big opportunity right there and couldn’t get it done.”
“I’m just frustrated on a bigger level. Just want to come through for the team and play well. I’ve been through bigger ruts in my career, gone through ups and downs worse than what I’m on right now. Just frustrated for the fans, frustrated for the team. That last moment there against (Jalen) Beeks, not coming through right there, super frustrated for that. Just wanna play better, gotta play better. Just gotta be a better ballplayer.”
A Rough Game All Around for Harper and the Phillies
The game itself was tough to watch for Phillies fans. The team fell behind early, giving up seven runs before the fifth inning. But Harper and the offense battled back to tie it. As the designated hitter, Harper homered, drove in a run, and scored twice.
Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the first inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park on May 4, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“I thought we fought,” Harper said afterward. “It’s what you want. We could’ve just laid down and said we won the series already and we didn’t do that. Just really good, hard-fought. I know we lost but fought to the end.”
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How Bad Has It Been for Harper in 2025?
Through 34 games this MLB season, Harper is hitting .234 with six home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .786 OPS. While not a drastic drop from last year’s early numbers, there has been a noticeable dip in production. At this point in 2024, Harper was batting .262 with a .910 OPS and had already driven in 28 runs. He finished that season with 87 RBIs.
