Gold Medal Hitter of the Month: Bryce Harper, PHI
June stats: 104 PA, 7 HR, 20 R, 16 RBI, .374/.452/.714, 221 wRC+, 1 SB, 1.9 fWAR
The Philadelphia Phillies' unofficial captain has topped the Senior Circuit in FanGraphs WAR for the second consecutive month. Indeed, Bryce Harper proved even more valuable in June than in May, despite missing the last three days of the month due to a hamstring strain.
Harper not only led the league in fWAR but also dominated among qualified NL batters in slugging percentage, wOBA, and wRC+ for June. Additionally, he has shown his prowess as a surprisingly effective defensive first baseman (5 OAA, .997 Fld% for the season), and ranks in the 95th percentile in baserunning value among all players, as per Baseball Savant.
On June 27, Harper was announced as the starting first baseman for the NL All-Star team, leading in votes after the first phase of fan balloting. This marks his eighth All-Star selection, placing him among a select group of superstars who have started the All-Star Game in three different positions (OF, DH, 1B).
However, Harper's hamstring injury will sideline him until at least July 9, threatening his ability to participate in the All-Star Game. Despite injuries, slow starts, and global pandemics, Harper has not played in an All-Star Game since 2018.
While Harper appeared in six All-Star Games during his seven seasons with the Nationals, he has yet to participate in one as a Phillie. Still, he remains one of the most eminent players of his generation.
