Phillies' Bryce Harper breaks out of slump in big win over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryce Harper. Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Phillies' Bryce Harper breaks out of slump in big win over Mets

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jun 20, 2026 11:45 PM ET

Just a couple of days removed from his manager and the team's president having to field questions about his struggles at the plate, Bryce Harper accomplished a career-first on Saturday night.

Harper showed his true potential as part of an offensive explosion that saw the Philadelphia Phillies put up 15 runs against the New York Mets. Along with Kyle Schwarber's three-homer game, Harper helped lead the Phillies to a 15-3 win by hitting for the cycle.

Competing his the first cycle of his career by the fifth inning, Harper finished the game going 4-for-5 with a home run, a triple, a double, a single, three RBIs and two runs scored.

Bryce Harper's first-career cycle came after a long slump

Harper's cycle comes after entering the weekend on a 1-for-22 with five walks. Before Saturday, Harper's last home run came on June 10. With one more a few days earlier, Harper still only has three home runs throughout June.

Still in the midst of a season below his normal standard, Harper was able to boost his average from .248 to .259 in one game. He also elevated his OBP from .360 to .367.

Bryce Harper needed just five innings to complete the first cycle of his career! pic.twitter.com/Q9mEiKLiiF
— MLB (@MLB) June 21, 2026

But as concerns about Harper's decline, which dates back to finishing last season with his lowest slash line numbers in a decade, have loomed over the Phillies' up-and-down season that has Philadelphia barely hanging onto a playoff spot, he proved Don Mattingly's trust to be warranted.

Don Mattingly always trusted Harper would heat up eventually

"It seems like he's been on the unlucky side of the season so far. That just means he's going to catch fire," said Mattingly on Friday, suggesting it was only a matter of time before Harper got hot.

Philadelphia's president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski brushed off questions asking if he needed to consider trading for a new first baseman and move Harper back to right field.

While one game doesn't guarantee Harper will return to his past MVP level — he's a two-time MVP, with his most recent coming in 2021— he certainly picked an opportune time to add a cycle to his career resume.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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