Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is sitting on 99 career home runs. At 23 years and 177 days old, the defending NL MVP could become the eighth-youngest player to reach 100 career homers. Harper, the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, has had quite a good start to his career.
But Barry Bonds, baseball’s all-time home run leader, doesn’t think comparisons should be made between himself and Harper. Per MLB.com’s William Ladson:
To Harper’s credit, he responded to Bonds’ comments with praise. Via James Wagner of the Washington Post:
Bryce Harper on Barry Bonds, who had nice things to say about Harper: pic.twitter.com/3NxP5av2HV
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) April 10, 2016
For what it’s worth, Harper has arguably had the better start to his career, at least offensively. To match Bonds, however, he’ll need to keep it up for another 18 years. A comparison:
Age | PA | HR | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | WAR | |
Bonds | 21-24 | 2388 | 84 | 117 | .256 | .345 | .458 | 23.4 |
Harper | 19-22 | 2143 | 97 | 37 | .289 | .384 | .517 | 19.8 |