Harper Named a Finalist for 2021 Hank Aaron Award

Bryce Harper could begin to add to his trophy case after being listed as a finalist for the 2021 Hank Aaron award.

Kade Kistner | Oct 8, 2021

Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper was just named one of seven finalists for the 2021 Hank Aaron award.

The award recognizes the top performing offensive player in each league. It is an annual award that started in 1999 to mark the anniversary of Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's home run record.

It differs from the Most Valuable Player award in that it only takes into account a player's offensive statistics and performances. The MVP award looks at the total contribution a player has made to his team.

Additionally, the Hank Aaron Award uses a panel of Hall of Fame members, combined with a fan vote to decide the winner. The MVP award is voted on by 30 members of the BBWA.

Harper is joined by Cincinnati Reds outfielder Nick Castellanos, San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford, Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, and San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr.

While the number of finalists seems like quite a bit, only a few standout. Tatis Jr., Soto, and Harper are the three that are most deserving. We have talked at length here at Inside the Phillies why Harper should win the NL MVP award. The argument is no different for the 2021 Hank Aaron award.

Harper's incredible season, spurred on by a historic second half, should have him as the frontrunner in several awards, including the Hank Aaron award.

Fans can vote at MLB.com for the player they believe is most deserving.

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

Make sure to follow Inside the Phillies on Facebook and Twitter!

Published Oct 8, 2021

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.