Phillies All-Star named one of ESPN's greatest athletes of 21st century

Recently, ESPN began formulating a list of the greatest athletes of the 21st century so far. Many iconic names are on the list, including Philadelphia Phillies standout Bryce Harper.

12 years into his career, Harper has numerous accolades to his name, including being named an eight-time All-Star, two-time MVP, 2012 Rookie of the Year, a three-time Silver Slugger, the 2022 National League Championship Series MVP, and the 2018 Home Run Derby champion.

"He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 with the headline 'Baseball's Chosen One' and has somehow managed to live up to the hype, including some of the best postseason numbers of all time," wrote ESPN's David Schoenfield. "He even helped make baseball fun again – from his all-out style of play to his green Phillie Phanatic cleats.

"Rarely has there been a more perfect match between ballplayer and city than Harper and Philadelphia. 'He brings you into his game with his talent and grit. That resonates with the fan base,' said former Phillies great Chase Utley."

While Harper is ranked 79th overall , behind other MLB icons like Barry Bonds, Clayton Kershaw, and Mike Trout, there is a solid chance he could move up the rankings. He is currently in the middle of an MVP-caliber season, battling it out with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Harper isn't the only Phillies player to be named on the list. He is joined by MLB Hall of Famer Roy Halladay, who was ranked at No. 88.

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