The Washington Nationals and Bryce Harper have settled their contract dispute for now, but they may have another down the road. In the meantime, the team will surely keep a close eye on their young star to see how he progresses as a player before making him the next ultra-rich young stud.
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According to Fox Sports, the Nationals were the best baserunning team in the majors last season. Despite not stealing as many bases as more high-profile "running" teams like the Royals, the Nationals excelled at taking extra bases when the opportunities presented themselves and at avoiding running into outs.
What is just as noteworthy is that Bryce Harper contributed virtually nothing to that success. Harper was among the bottom 50 baserunners in baseball, and was responsible for eight outs on the basepaths. In the 100 games that Harper played in 2014, he stole only two bases. He was also caught stealing twice and picked off four times.
Those numbers come after Harper stole 18 bases as a rookie and 11 in 2013. So what does the decline mean for Harper?
Well he was still a good player despite his baserunning issues, but it does raise the question of whether Harper will ever become the superstar to rival Mike Trout that everyone expected. Harper was supposed to be an all-around great player, but if he continues to struggle on the basepaths, then he may end up becoming just a power-hitter.
There is nothing wrong with being just a power hitter, but it is a far cry from all-around dominance. Also, if Harper really is not as fast as he used to be, then it seems fair to wonder if he would have to change positions. Many players change positions as they age, but that normally happens when a player is in his thirties, not his early twenties. However, if Harper has lost a step, whether because of injuries or some other reason, then his days of patrolling the outfield may be numbered.
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