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Scott Boras: Harper played through 'an issue' last season

Brad Mills / USA TODAY Sports

After winning the National League MVP award in 2015, Bryce Harper's 2016 season left much to be desired in a year that was plagued by what his agent simply refers to as "an issue."

Scott Boras, the widely recognized sports representative, said on MLB Network Radio that his client "had an issue that he played through with, that he battled with and that was certainly uncomfortable but still allowed him to play," according to Dayn Perry of CBS Sports.

Speculation behind Harper's struggles ranged, but many sourced separate neck and shoulder ailments as the primary reasons his numbers dipped significantly. As vague as Boras' comments were, it sheds a clear light that the ultra-talented Harper wasn't himself physically last season.

The 24-year-old still appeared in 147 games, combining for .243/.373/.441 with 24 home runs and 86 RBIs. He also dipped significantly in advanced metrics, particularly in wins above replacement, where he contributed only 1.1 WAR compared to 9.9 in 2015.

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