Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic he is willing to play outfield again. Harper told Rosenthal that he spoke to the Phillies about the possibility this offseason. The Phillies should consider the idea in the future. Harper told Rosenthal he is willing to do it if he believes it will help the Phillies win. Additionally, Harper told Rosenthal he came up with the idea while Pete Alonso was still a free agent. Rosenthal reports in the article the Phillies did not strongly consider signing Alonso. Harper told Rosenthal he would do it if the Phillies added a star-level player to play first base. Alonso would have met that qualification. Signing Alex Bregman would have opened up this possibility as well in all likelihood.
2026 Offseason Implications
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will test free agency next offseason. Rosenthal did mention the possibility of the Phillies signing Guerrero and Harper moving back to the outfield. In this scenario, Harper would likely play left field, though Rosenthal mentions that he is moving back to the right field. Nick Castellanos will be in a contract year in 2026, and the Phillies have primarily kept him in the right field. Castellanos made three appearances on left field in 2022 but has not played since. In that same period, Castellanos played 426 games on the right field. Castellanos has played 23 career major league games in left field compared to 918 career major league games in right field.
Other Possibilities That Lead To No Position Change
Rosenthal also mentioned that the Phillies might sign Kyle Tucker to play in the outfield. Harper would stay at first base in this scenario. Tucker, traded by the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs this offseason, is expected to test free agency next offseason. Max Kepler and Kyle Schwarber are scheduled to be free agents after this offseason, so the Phillies will probably need outfield players. Kepler, Schwarber, and Tucker are all left-handed batters. Furthermore, the Phillies have a very left-handed hitter-heavy outfield and lineup. Tucker signing with the Phillies next season would also decide who plays in what corner outfield spot. Like Castellanos, Tucker is primarily a right fielder.
Other Impacts
This could have an impact on some of the Phillies prospects and players already on the roster. Justin Crawford, a top Phillies outfield prospect, is expected to reach the majors in 2025 or 2026. Crawford spent most of his time in the field in spring training in left field and right field as opposed to his prominent position of center field. In seven spring training games before being reassigned, Crawford had a .300/.417/.300 line with no home runs and no RBI. Crawford could temporarily be blocked from reaching the major leagues if Harper moves back to the outfield. While less likely, it could have an impact when Aidan Miller reaches the majors. This would happen if Miller were to move from shortstop to third base. Miller stayed at shortstop in spring training.
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