by Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey)



The numbers don’t lie - Bryce Harper and the Nationals play better when the three-time All-Star ditches his baggy pants for high socks or stirrups.

Entering Thursday, Harper leads the bigs in OPS, and the Washington Nationals occupy first place in the NL East. Who knows where they’d be if he never decided to mix it up every once in a while.

Take a look at the numbers based on what Bryce Harper decides to do with his pants (click to enlarge):

Harper is absolutely insane when he wears high socks. His OPS jumps almost .200 higher, and he’s gone yard 11 times in just 24 games. On top of it all - he’s hitting .384. And the Nationals? They’re actually three games under .500 when he decides to put the high socks or stirrups away.

Harper might have something new to consider as the Nats try to secure the top spot in their division.