Star outfielder Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies head into Spring Training with playoff aspirations after a down 2019 season.
It’s not going to be easy with the defending champion Washington Nationals and and talented young Atlanta Braves squad in the NL East.
Harper himself was asked Sunday morning if he believes the Phillies did enough during the winter to compete in the division. While he firmly believes the team did, Harper noted that his wife had asked him the same question.
My wife actually asked me that question the other night,” Harper said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “She’s super into it and everything like that.”
Philadelphia was active during the offseason. It added shortstop Didi Gregorius and potential staff ace Zack Wheeler to the mix.
Whether that will be enough to compete with Atlanta and Washington in the division remains to be seen. Heck, the Marlins look improved and the Mets have lofty expectations heading into the 2020 season.
Philly finished the 2019 campaign at a disappointing 81-81. Harper hit just .260 while striking out a whopping 178 times. He’ll need to improve for the Phillies to have a chance.