The Philadelphia Phillies have reclaimed the National League Championship Series lead after a 6-1 victory in Game 5 against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday evening.
Much of the Phillies' success this postseason has come from a power-heavy offense and sound defense, the same recipe that allowed them to cruise to a win in Game 5.
While all the talk has centered around Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, and rightfully so, the latter made an incredible claim following the Game 5 victory.
"He's the best second baseman in the league. I don't care who you are, you're not better than Bryson Stott," said Harper following Game 5.
Stott has come a long way since entering the league as a rookie during the 2022 MLB season. In 2023, Stott became a full-time second baseman playing in 151 games and producing a .747 OPS and 15 home runs. His OPS places him eighth in all of baseball.
His defensive metrics have been impressive too, committing just five errors and producing six rDRS. His .992 fielding percentage at second base was also second best in the MLB.
Perhaps Harper's words serve as a reminder to Stott that he is exactly that - a top tier second baseman.
Stott has struggled much of this postseason at the plate, especially during this current series against Arizona.
But taking a look at the whole product, is Harper right?
Stott is clearly a top tier second baseman at the plate. He has the second-highest fielding percentage. He is an incredible teammate. He plays the game in the right way.
Everything considered, Stott may not be the "best" second baseman statistically, but he has placed himself in the elite conversation.
Factoring in the intangibles, there may be no other second baseman that a future Hall of Famer like Harper would want to play with.
And one couldn't blame him.
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