Atlanta Braves Can Win Division Despite Bryce Harper

Unfortunately for the Atlanta Braves, it is seeming increasingly likely Bryce Harper is getting set to sign with the Phillies. The Braves have to be concerned they have been surpassed this off-season.

If the persistent rumors are correct it is only a matter of time before Bryce Harper signs in the Atlanta Braves division. This time signing with equally hated division rival the Phillies.  Harper makes the lineup much better, would this signing decide the division?

There isn’t any questioning Harper’s talent. He has won an MVP award and flashes impressive power consistently. However, there is a reason to think Harper’s popularity may cloud vision as to just how valuable an asset Harper actually is.

Taking out his MVP numbers and his worst season (which can be considered the outliers) Harper is an underwhelming hitter though still an above average one. His numbers are closer to a player like Freddie Freeman than they are superstars Mike Trout or Mookie Betts.

This isn’t at all to say he won’t have a huge impact on the Phillies. Only that the Braves have faced Bryce Harper led teams before and been the better ballclub. With the best young roster in baseball, Atlanta should still be a division favorite coming into the season.

Despite the talent that Harper brings Atlanta still will have a great chance to win the division. Though Harper would have fit well in Atlanta it may be for the better he landed with a division rival considering the $300-million dollar contract he is rumored to be getting.

Committing that much to a player like Harper over such a long period of time could be a huge mistake. It is a gamble few teams seemed willing to take considering how long Harper has been on the open market.

More to come as Harper makes his decision that will likely send him to Philadelphia.