Bryce Harper is one of the biggest stars this sport has given to fans, and so is Aaron Judge. But when it comes to postseason, at least in the recent past, there have not been many differences. And after Game 2 between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, this similarity became even more similar.

Bryce Harper’s postseason performance has dipped so much over the past few seasons that fans are comparing him to Aaron Judge. One fan posted, “Bryce Harper when asked to get the lead,” and added a picture of Aaron Judge.

The frustration around Bryce Harper began boiling after his sixth-inning strikeout with runners on first and second. A single could have easily brought a run home and shifted the Phillies’ momentum entirely.

Instead, the missed chance turned into a defining moment in their Game 2 loss to the Dodgers.

Now, Harper, who’s hitting just .143 this postseason, suddenly finds himself at the center of growing criticism from restless fans.

It’s a scene Aaron Judge knows all too well, as his postseason record sits at a .223 average across 63 games. Judge’s struggles extend beyond the plate, with recent defensive lapses like his misplay against the Blue Jays adding fuel. Harper’s recent playoff numbers mirror that frustration.

His once-clutch bat is now searching for rhythm when the Philadelphia Phillies need it most. Heading into Los Angeles down 0-2, Harper stands at a crossroads where composure, not pressure, will define his October legacy.

Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge may own regular seasons, but October keeps humbling superstars equally. Both legends can crush 40 homers, yet one clutch swing still separates greatness from frustration. Now, with Philly’s season on the line, Harper’s next at-bat could rewrite that tired comparison.

Fans are not happy with Bryce Harper after Game 2 of the NLDS

The Philadelphia Phillies have built their reputation on star power, swagger, and big-game moments, but lately, that formula has started to crack. What was supposed to be another October charge for the Phillies has instead turned into a storm of frustration aimed directly at their biggest name.

A fan summed up the mood perfectly, saying, “The Bryce Harper we once knew is gone.” Harper struck out in the sixth with runners on base, leaving fans tense and frustrated. That missed opportunity could have shifted the Phillies’ momentum, potentially giving them a crucial postseason lead. Now, every swing carries extra weight as fans question whether Harper can regain his former clutch form.

Another fan lamented, “We’ve seen the best of Bryce Harper, haven’t we?” capturing growing frustration. Bryce Harper failed to drive in a run during a key sixth-inning opportunity for the Phillies. His postseason numbers this year reflect the struggle. Every plate appearance now feels heavier, as fans watch the star search for the spark he once had.

“Another year I don’t get to see Bryce Harper win a ring,” one expressed their disappointment. Even after reaching so close to WS, he missed the 2022 ring, and that surely was a disappointment to fans. And now, Harper is seen struggling to deliver in high-pressure, game-defining moments consistently. Each missed opportunity deepens concern as fans hope Harper can reclaim the clutch performance he’s known for.

And then came immense anger. One comment read, “Trade Bryce Harper. Let Schwarber walk. Trade Trea Turner. Trade Castellanos… DID I MENTION TRADE BRYCE HARPER??? BECAUSE HE IS THE MAIN PROBLEM OF THIS TEAM.” Turner, Schwarber, and Harper, together, went 1 for 10 in Game 2 with five strikeouts. And the trio marked a combined 1-for-11 effort with six strikeouts and no RBIs in the 5-3 loss in Game 1. Some even suggest letting Kyle Schwarber walk, blaming Harper’s inconsistent leadership for broader team struggles. Postseason numbers, hitting just .143, underline the star’s difficulty delivering in pressure-packed, game-changing situations consistently.

One user remarked, “Based off this interview, Bryce is lifeless. This isn’t the same dude as 2022.” Harper’s postseason batting average reflects a sharp decline from previous, more dominant performances. In 2022, he was voted NLCS MVP. Even though the Astros won that WS, Harper went 4-for-20 (.200) in at-bats, scoring a run each in Games 1 and 3. Fans now worry the once-fiery star struggles to summon energy when the Phillies need him most.

Bryce Harper’s star power remains undeniable, yet October continues to expose cracks even legends cannot hide. Now, as the man himself acknowledged the need to “flip the script,” fans watch every swing with bated breath, hoping Bryce Harper can reclaim the fire that once defined him.