Ranking the 10 best players in the National League East

2) Best players in the NL East: Bryce Harper

The top two on this list are pretty interchangeable. In a ranking like this, I'd usually side with the position player over the pitcher if it is close because the position players play every day. In Bryce Harper's case, a fractured left thumb and a small tear of his UCL have kept him out for a large portion of the season. With that in mind, he's number two on this list.

The reigning MVP has produced like an MVP when healthy this season despite being restricted to DH duty for most of the season.

Harper has slashed .308/.387/.569 with 17 home runs and 56 RBI in just 80 games. Harper's 160 WRC+ would be fifth in all of baseball and second in the National League if he had enough plate appearances to qualify.

Harper's contract despite the length and dollar amount has looked like a steal and is most definitely not one of the worst in the division.

The Phillies are poised to break their playoff drought and with Harper back in the middle of their lineup to go with the other bats they have and their two aces, Philadelphia isn't to be messed with.

Harper has actually struggled since returning from the thumb injury, posting an .830 OPS in 16 games. For most players, that's a good number, but for Harper, his season OPS has dropped by 30 points. When he gets back in a groove, watch out.