Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper recently expressed his willingness to return to the outfield—under one condition.

Harper Open to OF Return if Phillies Land Star First Baseman

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (via Phillies Nation’s Destiny Luzardo), Harper shared his thoughts on a potential position switch that could strengthen the team’s World Series aspirations:

“I talked to [the Phillies] this offseason about it, just in case a top-tier first baseman became available that we needed to go after. I’d be more than open to it if adding that kind of player would elevate our lineup and team dynamic. The Phillies like me at first base, but if we brought in a guy who could hit 35-40 homers, I’d make the move,” Harper explained.

“When Pete [Alonso] was still on the trade block, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I reiterated to [the Phillies] and Scott [Boras] that I’d shift back to the outfield if it helped the team. I love playing first base, but if it makes us better, I’m all for it.”

Phillies Could Target Elite First Basemen Next Offseason

Harper returning to the outfield would elevate an already strong Phillies outfield, giving the team the flexibility to pursue top-tier first basemen like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) or Pete Alonso (New York Mets).

The two-time NL MVP has primarily played outfield throughout his career, logging 1,258 of his 1,437 games at the position—947 of them in right field. Over the past two seasons, he has transitioned to first base while also taking designated hitter duties.

Though he has yet to win a Gold Glove, Harper has been a reliable defender in right field, boasting a career .986 fielding percentage with just 23 total errors in those 947 games.

If Philadelphia pursues one of these elite power hitters next offseason, they could significantly bolster an already formidable roster, creating an even deeper and more dangerous lineup.