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There is no denying that Bryce Harper is one of the biggest names in Major League Baseball (MLB) today. After seven years playing for the Washington Nationals, Harper signed a mammoth 13-year, $330 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 2019 season. While some fans may have felt it was an overpay, the move appears to have paid off for the Phillies, as Harper has had an MVP-caliber season and has helped to turn the team into a legitimate playoff contender.

But, what makes Harper so special? Beyond his natural talent, there are some unique benefits to having the star outfielder in Philadelphia.

First off, Harper brings a lot of recognition and attention to the Phillies. It is undeniable that Harper being in a Phillies uniform has helped to draw in more fans to Citizens Bank Park. The atmosphere at the ballpark, and throughout Philadelphia for that matter, has been reinvigorated by Harper’s presence. His jersey has quickly become one of the best-selling MLB jerseys in recent years and the fans have responded overall to seeing Harper in their city.

Harper also brings a winning mentality to any room he is in. His willingness to compete and perform when it matters most has been very beneficial to a Phillies team that has struggled to reach the top of the NL East for the past several years. His leadership has been appreciated by his teammates as well, as many have stated Harper is always eager to offer advice and help in anyway.

The last major benefit Harper brings is intangible, but it has been huge. He has single-handedly raised the morale in Philadelphia. There was already a great deal of excitement surrounding the team due to the moves the front office made prior to trading for Harper. But the former MVP’s presence has completely turned the Phillies into a playoff-caliber team, and the city responded positively to seeing one of the game’s brightest and most dynamic stars in baseball don Phillies colors.

In short, the representations of Bryce Harper in Philadelphia have been overwhelmingly positive. His presence alone has helped to make the Phillies an exciting team to watch, and one that could potentially be a force in the playoffs. Harper’s incredible talent and winning mentality has reinvigorated the atmosphere in Philadelphia and made the Phillies a must-watch team this season.