Phillies’ star Bryce Harper offered to return to the outfield if it meant adding a power-hitting first baseman this offseason.
By most accounts, Philadelphia’s winter moves didn’t make major waves. While they secured some key additions, none were headline-grabbing acquisitions.
One of the most underrated moves by president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was trading for left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo. Additionally, adding right-handed closer Jordan Romano bolstered the bullpen.
On the offensive side, the Phillies’ only position player acquisition was outfielder Max Kepler, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal in December. He is expected to be the team’s everyday left fielder, though fans hoping for a big bat were left disappointed.
Harper, however, revealed to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that he had given the Phillies the flexibility to pursue a major power hitter at first base. Although he had settled into the position after transitioning from right field following Tommy John surgery in 2022, he was open to shifting back to the outfield if it meant strengthening the lineup.
“I talked to [the Phillies] this offseason about that, just in case a guy was available [at first] that we needed to have, needed to get,” Harper said. “I’d be more than open to it if we had a guy like that, who was going to change our lineup or change the demeanor of our team. They like me at first base. But I’d go out there to have a guy who was going to play first base and hit 35 or 40 homers.”
That description suggests he had a specific player in mind. Pete Alonso, for instance, remained a free agent for much of the offseason before re-signing with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out before his $24 million salary in 2026.
“When Pete [Alonso] was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’” Harper told Rosenthal. “When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to [the Phillies] and Scott [Boras] that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”
Despite Harper’s willingness, the Phillies ultimately didn’t sign Alonso. Given their already high payroll and Alonso’s hefty price tag—including a $10 million signing bonus and a potential $24 million second-year salary—it’s unlikely Philadelphia seriously considered the move.
Harper’s flexibility raises questions about other opportunities the Phillies may have bypassed. Gold Glove-winning slugger Cristian Walker, formerly of the Diamondbacks, signed a three-year, $60 million deal with Houston. However, at 34 years old, he may not have been a must-have option for Philadelphia.
Looking ahead, next offseason could present another intriguing possibility. With Harper open to returning to the outfield, Phillies fans can dream of a potential pursuit of Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of the most coveted free agents in the upcoming market.
