This column was written for my Sports Commentary class at Northwestern:
By: Izzie Begley
Within the sports world, the term “clutch” has been extremely debatable because of its subjectivity. Some believe the term is played out, while others believe it’s an unmeasurable spark that separates the good from great. Is there really such a thing as a player who elevates their game in the most critical moments or is clutch just a product of perception? In order to answer this question, this article is going to analyze a notoriously “clutch” baseball player in Bryce Harper. Due to his consistent regular season performances, he presents an interesting case in whether some athletes have the ability to turn it on when the stakes are high.
Bryce Harper in the Regular Season
Bryce Harper is incredibly accomplished in the regular season. Throughout his career, he has put up impressive regular-season numbers. At the conclusion of the 2024 regular-season, his stat line over the course of his thirteen MLB seasons includes:
- Batting Average (BA): .281
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): .389
- Slugging Percentage (SLG): .523
- On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .911
- Home Runs: 336
- RBIs: 976
These numbers have solidified Harper as a generational offensive talent where he has won an MVP in 2015 and 2021, as a result. His OPS ranks him among the top hitters in MLB over the last decade, and he has an exceptional ability to get on base, where his 2024 season OBP ranks him second in the league.
Although Harper is impressive throughout the regular season, some critics have pointed towards moments of inconsistency, specifically early on in his career, when his aggressive hitting approach led to strikeouts during big moments. Harper is known for liking to swing hard and early, which at times, has been a topic of controversy. His career strikeout rate of 21.9% likely reflects his all-or-nothing hitting style. Overall however his numbers show he is remarkably consistent throughout the long 162 game schedule.
Postseason Bryce: Another Level?
When the lights get bright during October, does Harper rise to the occasion? The short answer: Absolutely.
- Batting Average (BA): .280
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): .395
- Slugging Percentage (SLG): .629
- On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): 1.024
- Home Runs: 17
- RBIs: 33
Comparing his regular season stats to his postseason numbers shows a notable increase in various parts of his game. His postseason OPS is just over 100 points higher, which enforces the idea he is able to perform when it matters most. However, the stat that stands out the most is his power surge in October. His postseason slugging of .629 is much higher than his in-season .523 – a difference that further highlights his ability to get base hits when the stakes are the highest.
The stats speak for themselves. But, clutch is also a feeling that is difficult to quantify.
Breaking Down His Clutch Moments
The numbers reinforce what the fans see with their eyes. That is, Harper is at his best when it matters most. He has delivered several clutch moments within recent years that include, but is definitely not limited to:
Game 3, 2022 NLDS: Harper hit a monster home run that kept the Phillies hot. The team went on to beat the Braves 9-1 which gave them a 2-1 lead on the series.
Game 5, 2022 NLCS: Or more fondly known as “Bedlam at the Bank,” Harper smashed a two-run homer, in Philadelphia, in the eighth inning to send the Phillies to the World Series, a moment the fanbase will never forget.
Most recently: Game 2, 2024 NLDS: Harper hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to cut the Mets lead to 3-2. This hit propelled much needed momentum for the team and was quickly followed by a Nick Castellanos home run, in which they ended up winning the game 7-6.
What separates Harper is not just the stats, but the high-pressure positions in which he is able to deliver. He seemingly always finds a way to put the team on his back and give them energy when it is needed most. His ability to hit for power, take walks, and maintain a relatively high batting average further shows his disciplined approach that stands up under the pressure of October baseball.
In summary, Bryce Harper romanticizes October baseball in a way that is difficult to articulate.
Clutch Metrics: How Harper Performs Under Pressure
Though traditional stats offer a solid glimpse into Bryce Harper’s success, there are other metrics that offer a different perspective in terms of measuring “clutch” moments. According to Baseball Reference, in the 2022 postseason alone, Harper had a 4.775 cWPA (Championship Win Probability Added). WPA is a metric that measures how much a player contributes to his team winning based on the context of the game. Within the past three years, Harper’s WPA has ranked among the top 5 each year.
Conclusion: Is Clutch Real?
Bryce Harper’s career serves as a testament that clutch is, in fact, real. While he is already regarded as an outstanding regular season player, his ability to elevate his play, and the play of his teammates, in the postseason sets him apart. His numbers in October reveal a player who thrives under pressure. Whether it is the excitement of playing in front of a packed stadium or simply a product of his preparation, Bryce Harper proves that some players are just built for big moments.
