The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a ‘frustrated’ loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and things started going over an equally agitated Bryce Harper.
The Diamondbacks shunned Philles for an 11-9 defeat.
Harper is feeling the weight of an unexpectedly tough start to the season, and it’s clear he’s a little frustrated right now. After the team’s extra-inning loss, he candidly opened up about how he’s feeling.
“Just frustrated I can’t come through right there. Obviously, a good moment and a good opportunity right there. I just couldn’t get it done,” Harper said after the game.
An opposite-field homer from Bryce Harper gets the scoring started at The Bank! 🔔 pic.twitter.com/TSCdhap5NO
— MLB (@MLB) May 4, 2025
While Harper did manage to hit his sixth home run in that game, his overall numbers tell a different story.
With a .786 OPS and only 12 extra-base hits so far, he’s not quite living up to the expectations he sets for himself. It’s tough for him, especially since he knows how crucial he is to the team and the city.
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Phillies manager Rob Thomson recognized this pressure, noting that Harper holds himself to incredibly high standards. It’s part of what makes him a superstar, but it also means he really feels the ups and downs of the game.
As a team, the Phillies haven’t quite found their groove yet, sitting ninth in the National League for runs scored and home runs after having a strong season last year.
Also Read: Bryce Harper Reveals He Was Ready To Switch Positions If Pete Alonso Came To The Phillies
Phillies Have High Expectations For Bryce Harper
Harper and the Phillies are currently facing high expectations. With a 19-15 record and sitting in second place in the National League East, Harper believes he can elevate his performance at the plate.
The 32-year-old, a probable future Hall of Famer, has a batting average of .234 and an OPS of .786, which includes six home runs and 17 RBIs through his first 128 at-bats.
Although these stats are respectable for an average player, they fall short of Harper’s standards.
Keep 'em comin' pic.twitter.com/JYx79guTcJ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 4, 2025
As the season progresses, he will need to regain his former prowess to help the Phillies achieve their goal of winning a World Series title, their first since 2008.
Since signing a monumental 13-year, $330 million contract in February 2019, Harper has maintained a position among the top league players.
In his seventh season with the Phillies, he boasts impressive 162-game averages of 34 home runs, 101 RBIs, a .282 batting average, a .918 OPS, and a 147 OPS+.
Despite his current struggles, there are no significant concerns, as Harper’s advanced metrics remain strong.
Also Read: MLB Sportscaster Warns Major Concern For Phillies As Future Outlook Grows Uncertain
