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With a sacrifice fly to the left field corner that scored Adam Eaton, Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper collected his 100th RBI for the first time in his seven-year MLB career.
Harper’s RBI extended the Nationals’ lead to 3-1 as they went on to defeat the Miami Marlins 7-3. He became the sixth player this season with 100 RBIs.
Bryce Harper gets RBI #️⃣1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ and the #Nats get a 7-3 win over the Marlins! pic.twitter.com/ejlKfvrnvj
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) September 25, 2018
Harper’s previous career-high was 99 RBIs in 2015 when the slugger won the National League MVP. Additionally, Harper played in his 154th game of the season, the most games he has played in during a season in his career. His previous high of 153 also was set in his MVP season.
In what may be his final season in Washington, Harper has made the most of it and piled up a good season statistically despite a struggling first half of the season. Whether it was pressing or adjustments by opposing pitchers, Harper had the worst first half of his career. However, he bounced back in the second half, hitting .294 since the All-Star break.
Harper has hit 34 home runs and 30 doubles, both of which are the second most of his career. He also has drawn a career-high and MLB-leading 126 walks.
Of course the accomplishments are a bit moot for Nationals fans, as this could very well be Harper’s last season in the nation capital. At the prime age of 25 and coming off one of his more producing seasons, Harper could command north of $400 million as a free agent this winter.
Harper’s price may be too steep for the Nationals, who already have an increasingly high payroll, the Nats were one of two teams to pay luxury tax this season. Still both sides are at the very least filling each other out in negotiations towards a new contract.
In an otherwise disappointing season, Harper has remained steady in his approach and by finally driving in 100 runs increased his value as a potential free agent.