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Washington Nationals Editorial: Where Does Bryce Harper rank among NL East right fielders?

By Pablo Roa

Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) watches his home run ball during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) watches his home run ball during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Washington Nationals won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) rounds the bases after a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) rounds the bases after a solo home run against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Curtis Granderson (New York Mets)

Curtis Granderson’s career with the Mets got off to a slow start. The veteran outfielder saw his batting average hover around the .220 mark for much of the 2014 season, leading many to wonder if the 4-year, $60 million deal the Mets signed him to was a mistake.

Last season, however, Granderson began to turn things around. While he didn’t come close to the numbers he hit with the Yankees a few years ago, Granderson improved in almost every aspect of his game in 2015.

His batting average went up to .259 — his best since 2011. He also improved in OBP, slugging percentage, OPS, homers, hits and RBIs. Not only did Granderson have a better season individually in 2015, but he also helped lead the Mets to the World Series.

The case can be made that Granderson deserves the No. 2 spot on this list since he stayed healthy and productive all season long. But given Granderson’s decline in recent years, it’s hard to justify putting him ahead of the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Bryce Harper.

Fortunately for the Mets, it looks like Granderson has overcome his struggles of 2014. And if the Mets want to continue to see offensive success in 2016, he’ll have to stay healthy and productive all season long again next season.

Next: No.2

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