Phillies’ interest on Pete Alonso had Bryce Harper rethink his position (Image Source Getty, Harper/IG)
Pete Alonso
was the hot topic of this year’s offseason, thanks to his re-signing drama with the
New York Mets
. Throughout the offseason, Alonso was approached by multiple teams, including the
Philadelphia Phillies
. Recently, Phillies star
Bryce Harper
opened up about the team’s interest in hiring the first baseman, which led to him rethinking his playing position.
Bryce Harper talked about Pete Alonso’s influence changing his mind about position
The Philadelphia Phillies approached Pete Alonso for a potential signing in the offseason, which led to Bryce Harper’s confession of change in position. Harper revealed that he was convinced to have changed his position from first base if the Phillies bring in Alonso. Talking about how he would have been a great addition to the team’s lineup, Harper said:
“When Pete was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ 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.”
Moving forward in his statement, Bryce Harper claimed that he loves playing the first base and his experience has been nothing but great. But if replacing him with Pete Alonso at first base helps the team win more games and maybe a World Series, Harper has no issues with playing at another position. Talking about the same, the Phillies star said:
“I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there [to the outfield].”
The New York Mets concluded the tiring contract negotiations with Pete Alonso last month, when the team hired him back on a $54 million contract. Earlier this week, Alonso revisited his memories from the offseason and revealed being a “pretty patient person” in order to deal with the exhausting negotiations.
Pete Alonso contract negotiations involved not just the New York Mets’ owner Steve Cohen and President David Stearns, but also the first baseman’s teammate Brandon Nimmo. Last week, Nimmo came clean about his involvement in Alonso’s re-signing with the Mets, claiming that he kept on checking with both sides. Let’s see if Alonso helps the Mets get into the playoffs one more time.
