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Bryce Harper Willing To Return To Outfield To Accommodate Future First Base Addition

By Darragh McDonald | March 5, 2025 at 5:48pm CDT

Bryce Harper hasn’t played the outfield in a long time but is willing to head back out there if the Phillies find a big first base addition. “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 to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. “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.

“When Pete (Alonso) 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. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”

Harper spent many years as an outfielder but hasn’t been out there in a while. He was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow in May of 2022. He wasn’t able to throw but served as the club’s designated hitter until he underwent Tommy John surgery in November of that year. He again served as the designated hitter once he initially got healthy in 2023. After that, the Phillies put him at first base and have kept him there.

That means it’s now been almost three years since his last outfield appearance. Regardless, Harper tells Rosenthal that his main goal is to win a World Series and he wants to do whatever it takes to help the club achieve that goal.

It’s an intriguing tidbit, given the potential impact on future markets. As Harper mentioned, he first broached the subject when Alonso was lingering on the market unsigned this winter. Nothing came of that, with Alonso eventually returning to the Mets, and there are no notable first basemen left unsigned at this point. But this coming winter, Alonso could be back out there since he has an opt-out in his two-year deal with the Mets. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also didn’t reach an extension with the Blue Jays and is slated for free agency this coming winter as well.

Whether the club wants to go down that road remains to be seen. Even before the surgery, Harper’s outfield defense was questionable. Outs Above Average gave him a grade of -29 from its inception in 2016 through 2022. Defensive Runs Saved has Harper at +8 as an outfielder in his career, but since he tallied +14 in his rookie season in 2012, he’s been below average overall since then. Given that he’s now 32 years old and has been away from the grass for a few years, he would face a challenge in being better than that going forward. At first base, however, he has +8 OAA in his career and +6 DRS.

There’s also the larger roster construction to consider. The Phils have seemingly been committed to keeping Harper at first, so much so that they told Rhys Hoskins they wouldn’t be able to bring him back as he hit free agency after 2023. Since then, they have had Harper at first and Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter. Schwarber is slated for free agency after 2025, though there seems to be some mutual interest in getting an extension done. Even if Schwarber isn’t back in 2026, Nick Castellanos would be a logical candidate to move into that role, since his contract runs through ’26 and his defense isn’t well regarded.

Hypothetically, signing Guerrero to a deal of a decade or longer could lead to long-term awkwardness on the roster. Harper is already 32 and will be 33 next year, with his contract running through 2031. In this hypothetical, he and Guerrero would be on the same roster for six years, from 2026 through 2031. By 2027, both Schwarber and Castellanos could be gone, perhaps allowing Harper and Guerrero to share first base and the DH slot at that point, though that would give the club very little flexibility for a five-year stretch. Most clubs these days prefer to have some wiggle room to cycle other players into the DH spot in order to manage season-long workloads and nagging injuries.

With Alonso, perhaps the hypothetical fit is a bit easier to see, depending on his 2025 season. He is obviously hoping to bounce back and find a stronger market next winter, but his age will still cap the length of his deal even if that happens. While Guerrero is just about to turn 26 this month, Alonso is already 30 and will be turning 31 next offseason. He didn’t seem to find any clubs willing to make a long-term investment in him this winter, so perhaps that will be true again going into 2026.

Regardless, all of his is contingent on the Phillies taking Harper up on his willingness to head back out to the grass. Perhaps this will end up being a moot point but it’s possible this could lead to some interesting rumors next winter. It’s also theoretically possible that Guerrero and/or Alonso are available at this summer’s deadline. Theoretically, the Phillies could acquire one of them and move Harper to the outfield, though a midseason trade is perhaps is even harder to see since Harper wouldn’t have an offseason and spring training to prepare for the outfield move.

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93 Comments

  1. GabeItch

    3 months ago

    Nice! That’s how every positional player should be. Cheers!

    16
    Reply
    • 99Captain Judge99

      3 months ago

      What a guy! Is he still interested in a extension? If the Phills do that, they need to have their heads examined.

      4
      Reply
      • mlb fan

        3 months ago

        “What a guy..In an extension”…Everyone wants more money if they can get it. I don’t fault him for that really.

        I’ll actually commend Harper, because we haven’t heard another peep of this since the Phillies (apparently) turned him down on the extension.

        I don’t fault him for trying, because if a billionaire wants to give me $ I’m taking it too.

        4
        Reply
        • 99Captain Judge99

          3 months ago

          @mlb fan- Ok, still not happening…. So sorry. He’s pretty much locked up for the rest of his career. It was his choice right?

          2
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 months ago

          He looked like a pathetic desperate crybaby idiot for talking extension. Easy decision to stop talking about it. Should never talk about it again until year before contract is up if still playing well.

          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 months ago

          He is insane if the no opt out was his choice. He was either lying or did a 180 afterwards.

          1
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          It’s not quite an extension as much as a reworking of the deal to lower aav even more for luxury tax purposes

          4
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 months ago

          Really bad optics to ask for an extension on a contract that pays you until age 38 and you have 8-9 years left to go.

          2
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          That’s media misinterpretation. He mentioned possibly reworking his contract to lower the AAV which would give him extended years and allow the Phillies more flexibility on capspace. That’s a lot different than saying “Gimme more years.”

          4
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 months ago

          According to mlbtr this is what his agent said.

          “Bryce has let me know that he wants to work out an extension so that he knows that he’s going to be there for the remainder of his career….Apart from my advice, he goes, ‘I just want to go and make sure that I can recruit players to Philadelphia. I want the fans in Philadelphia to know that I’m going to be there for the duration and that I’m committed.’ I think he’s been an important voice for them to attract major free agents and other players,” Boras said.

          Sounds like a greedy $ grab to me. Smells awful of desperation and out of touch. A bunch of bs. He doesn’t need paid until 40 45 50 or whatever to show he is committed. He should be committed though elsewhere. Are fans worrying? Oh no we are going to lose a 40 year next decade!!!! Are Pirates Dodgers fans worried about losing Cutch Kershaw since they don’t have a extension?

          I love the ability to recruit players part. Players go where they can make the most $. “Well I was going to go to NY LA but I am going to take less $ since Harper is locked up until he’s 45.” It’s more like this is my team now, retire boomer.

          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          Yeah no. He’s been interviewed about this. As did DD. That’s not the situation at all.

          1
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 months ago

          Well that’s only information I heard on it. Not interested in reading further unless he fired Boras for that false statement. Wouldn’t believe Harper anyways. After it was his choice to not have a player opt out because he was dedicated to being a Philly for life. He’s either stupid to not want a opt out or a liar and I don’t think he is stupid.

          I love him. When he was a free agent I would have signed him. Even if it cost me 350 400 450. He was worth it. But if he asked for extension my discussion would start and end with 1 word no.

          Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 months ago

      Gabe – Agreed! Ever since Papelbon set him straight, he’s been a model citizen.

      2
      Reply
  2. VonPurpleHayes

    3 months ago

    This guy has done everything a Phillies fan could ask for. Alonso in the lineup would’ve been fun.

    18
    Reply
    • Tom the ray fan

      3 months ago

      Yea I couldn’t agree more, worth every penny so far on his deal.

      2
      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        3 months ago

        Harper contract was a easy win from day one. Already paid for itself. Anything from here out is bonus. One of the best ever. Only chance it had of failure was something unpredictable like injury or accident.

        1
        Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      3 months ago

      Biggest Cashman fail in recent FA history (since…2009?) is not signing Harper. He’s awesome.

      10
      Reply
    • Bryc3 Harp3r

      3 months ago

      All I heard when Harper signed was about what a bad teammate he was and how poorly that contract would work out and that he’d quit playing hard since he cashed in.

      He has literally been the definition of a perfect leader since signing in Philly. He says the right thing to the media (not an easy task in Philly), has the fans in the palm of his hand (even tougher task in Philly), comes back early from a brutal facial injury, and switches positions to help the team. All while winning an MVP and having an ops north of .900 since coming to town and taking an AAV that’s ranks outside the top 50 players of baseball despite being one of the faces of the sport.

      I’m not sure there’s been a more valuable player to his team than Harper has been to the Phillies.

      22
      Reply
      • Teamspirit

        3 months ago

        He has grown up a lot.

        6
        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 months ago

          Team – Exactly! People don’t realize, as players get older they usually mature. Even Bregman has been less jerkish so far this year.

          4
          Reply
        • JoeBrady

          3 months ago

          He was the last guy I wanted on the RS. Now he is one of the first guys I would want.

          Reply
      • FrontRowBob

        3 months ago

        I still recall the story where he went went with a HS Kid to help ask a Girl to the Prom because she was a huge Harper Fan. I’ve never seen a player embrace a team, city, and fan base more than Harper in my entire life. No doubt he has created many life long fans for WHO has has been as a Phillie as much for WHAT he has done on the field.

        Reply
    • andymeyer

      3 months ago

      Vladdy would be even more fun!

      2
      Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 months ago

        I want Tucker for the OF

        5
        Reply
        • andymeyer

          3 months ago

          Tucker would be tremendous as wel

          1
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          I mean, I’d love either or both! I just don’t see Vladdy as a realistic option, but I’d love it.

          2
          Reply
  3. Sourhaze

    3 months ago

    Wait, Mlbtraderumors thinks that Alonso is going to be a trade candidate and they’re going to trade him to the phillies?

    Yikes.

    1
    Reply
    • steven st croix

      3 months ago

      Was is past tense.

      3
      Reply
      • Sourhaze

        3 months ago

        No. “It’s also theoretically possible that Guerrero and/or Alonso are available at this summer’s deadline. Theoretically, the Phillies could acquire one of them and move Harper to the outfield”

        3
        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 months ago

          Sour – Exactly! If the Mets fall out of contention, trading Alonso is definitely a possibility. After all, Cohen will likely be signing Vlad next offseason anyway.

          2
          Reply
        • Sourhaze

          3 months ago

          I dont think so.

          The mets are going to check in like the dodgers did with Soto.

          Stearns says those contracts are a one off thing.

          Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 months ago

          Sour – Vlad’s two closest friends in the world are Tatis and Soto …. and Vlad obviously isn’t going to the Padres.

          I think the only thing that would stop Vlad from going to the Mets is if the Jays give him the money he wants.

          2
          Reply
        • YourDreamGM

          3 months ago

          I can see mentioning Vlad. Mets not hanging around in playoff picture would be surprising.

          Reply
        • Miken31

          3 months ago

          Sourhaze:

          Stearns never said any such thing about signing big contracts being a one off thing. Cohen just said that they don’t want to spend like crazy all the time. When you have the richest owner in baseball, there’s going to be big contracts given out.

          2
          Reply
        • Gwynning

          3 months ago

          “and Vlad obviously isn’t going to the Padres.”

          You sure? I mean, you sound pretty darn sure, FPG!

          2
          Reply
    • dsett75

      3 months ago

      No. Alonso was lingering on the market at the time and he could very well opt out after the season.

      Reply
  4. Lefty_Orioles_Fan

    3 months ago

    I wanted the Polar Bear too….but I think he was always going to go back to the Mets and he did…was there any real chance Alonso would have signed with someone else?

    Reply
    • Sourhaze

      3 months ago

      We heard he had an offer from the BJ and Angels but no one is really sure if these are ever true.

      He did want to be a met and I assume he would’ve signed somewhere else as a last resort because the mets didn’t want to sign him.

      If he didn’t go to the mets just know any other team would have been desperation from his part and he didn’t wanna be tbere

      2
      Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      No chance. Not because Pete loved the Mets so much or they had to have him. But because he was the 5th 6th or 7th best 1b available and had an insane never going to happen contract demands.

      1
      Reply
  5. mlb fan

    3 months ago

    Personally, I don’t mind a little flair, some braggadicio, a little swag. Bryce Harper has all of this as well as being the consumate professional.

    9
    Reply
    • CarverAndrews

      3 months ago

      Bryce has grown into being an incredible team leader and fan favorite – says and does all of the right things. Close to being the best long term superstar deal out there since he came on board…just want and need to keep him healthy.

      I hope that they keep him at first, both to limit his injury exposure and the fact that he is so good out there on defense as well. Just continue to build around that moving forward.

      6
      Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      I prefer all those things. That’s why he is a star and made Philadelphia so much $.

      2
      Reply
  6. Old York

    3 months ago

    Guerrero to Philly? Those cheesesteaks will be tempting.

    4
    Reply
    • mlb fan

      3 months ago

      Cheesesteak stocks are flying thru the roof, just on the rumors of Vlad coming to Philly.

      3
      Reply
  7. kreckert

    3 months ago

    Yeah, I don’t think this is a great idea. As a Phillies fan I REALLY appreciate his willingness to do whatever it takes, but not only is he really good at first, playing there has also seemed to be better for his physical health. I’d rather see them actually improve the outfield, rather than send him back out to get hurt again and either miss time or have another season where he’s locked into the DH role.

    4
    Reply
    • Fever Pitch Guy

      3 months ago

      kreckert – Agreed, they need to improve the outfield.

      Perfect trade for the Phillies would be Painter for Abreu, that would greatly strengthen the outfield without losing anyone off the major league roster.

      3
      Reply
      • Tmandolfan

        3 months ago

        Painter isn’t being traded. He’s expected to become their #1 starter when Wheeler retires.

        2
        Reply
      • VonPurpleHayes

        3 months ago

        Tucker is thr OFer I want.

        Reply
        • Fever Pitch Guy

          3 months ago

          Von – They gonna have the payroll space for Tucker?

          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          I don’t know what’s going to happen. There’s some money coming off the books, but there are also some players the Phils need to keep or let go. So, decisions have to be made. 2026 is looking like a lockout year as well, so the luxury tax penalties may be tweaked.

          1
          Reply
        • Bart Harley Jarvis

          3 months ago

          @FPG,
          “Perfect trade for the Phillies would be Painter for Abreu, …”

          I believe you misspelled ‘Red Sox’.

          1
          Reply
        • VonPurpleHayes

          3 months ago

          I think Painter is untouchable.

          1
          Reply
    • dsett75

      3 months ago

      I think Philadelphia will get Tucker and the Mets will go after Guerrero if Alonso opts out. They won’t want to negotiate with Alonso again. If Alonso opts in, then NY goes after an ace. Which they may do regardless. NY will realize that they didn’t do nearly enough with the rotation this winter. They got extremely lucky last year with Severino, Manaea and Quintana all “turning back their clocks”, so to speak.

      Reply
  8. Captain Dunsel

    3 months ago

    Spending 500M on Guerrero is not the answer. Trading for him this summer, however, could easily put the Phillies over the top. Harper will have between now and July to get practice work in relearning RF. Even at the cost of Miller plus, flags fly forever. Do whatever it takes, DD.

    3
    Reply
    • Sourhaze

      3 months ago

      Guerrero isn’t worth 500 million but thinking the phillies are a Guerrero away from winning it all is short sighted.

      Reply
      • Joemo

        3 months ago

        And to get Guerrero, they would have to trade some good pieces and then pay him. It’s like a double whammy that a team should only do if their only need is 1B, and have no other weaknesses and the prospects they trade away are all blocked hard.

        1
        Reply
        • Captain Dunsel

          3 months ago

          No, if they trade for a half season of Vladdy he is already signed to a contract. I am NOT suggesting a long term deal, and Harper can move back to 1B in 2026. Adding Vladdy’s bat to the 2025 team would just be too good to pass up.

          1
          Reply
      • andymeyer

        3 months ago

        Short sighted? They’ll add the superior right handed bat they’ve sorely needed with one of the top rotations in baseball. I’d say that puts them in a great position to win it all

        2
        Reply
        • Sourhaze

          3 months ago

          The long term commitments of the phillies aren’t boding well. Lot of money committed to older players and a less than ideal farm.

          Then moving harper to the OF is a disaster waiting to happen, i guess they could not resign schwarber and make harper the DH and have Guerrero at 1st?

          The window is closing.

          1
          Reply
        • Captain Dunsel

          3 months ago

          No long term 500M commitment. Just this year.

          1
          Reply
        • andymeyer

          3 months ago

          The Turner deal is the only long term commitment that hasn’t panned out so far. Wheeler, Harper and Nola have been horses and have paid dividends. While I do agree that the window of contention for this group is closing, signing a massive player like Vlad who is only 25 years old shows that this team is committed to staying in contention, willing to spend money and willing to build around Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford when they are ready to come up.

          2
          Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        3 months ago

        Don’t think there’s much to relearn. Get some reps in practice and throw him out there. Maybe I am just an incredible specimen.

        Reply
      • outinleftfield

        3 months ago

        Phillies had 2nd best record in NL last season and they didn’t lose much of note this offseason other than in the bullpen. Adding a guy that put up a 2.2 WAR the last 2 months of 2024 could be enough to put them over the top if he is playing at the same level in 2025.

        1
        Reply
    • dsett75

      3 months ago

      He’s not worth it, but neither is Soto, imo. The Mets set a stupid precident with that contract. He’s not 4-500 million better than everyone else. There’s other good hitters of his ilk. Now, all the top guys will get that. I didn’t mention Ohtani because he is/was an extremely unique case. The guy is an ace pitcher, a 50/50 hitter and even a 60/60 threat if he wasn’t pitching. His SB will go way down with him pitching again now (come May), I’m betting.

      Reply
  9. DM_Nats

    3 months ago

    I miss this guy in DC very badly. I do respect that he’s done everything he can to win one for the Phils. Time is running out though, team is getting old quick.

    5
    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      Paid Strasburg but let him walk was stupid.

      Reply
  10. Mendoza Line 215

    3 months ago

    Interesting that the year that he left the Nationals they won it all.
    He has done a good job at first and he should stay there for the reasons listed above.
    He really is a great teammate and sincerely wants the Phillies to win every game.The team has been transformed with his signing and hiring DD.
    Their window will close in the next 2-3 years so time is running out but they have given Phillies fans lots of good memories over the last several years.

    2
    Reply
    • Phillls

      3 months ago

      What is interesting about that?? They didn’t even win the division that year – snuck in as a wildcard and got hot at the right time. Several players had career years that they never came close to repeating. Ever hear of Anthony Rendon? If Harper had been on that team, they would have won the division and swept through the playoffs and World Series

      3
      Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      A city the size of Philadelphia doesn’t have windows. Just buy more players.

      1
      Reply
  11. Reynaldo's

    3 months ago

    Could Marcus Stroman ever be the same way?

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      With the right brain surgery yes.

      1
      Reply
  12. 2NA

    3 months ago

    Now, no. When he should’ve went to left for a year and they could’ve kept Hoskins. Yea. Their chance to improve the franchise is gonna come from LF or CF. He’s good where he’s at!

    Reply
    • YourDreamGM

      3 months ago

      Hoskins awful contract. Why would they want that?

      Reply
  13. Viveleempireevil

    3 months ago

    Team player. Total pro.

    2
    Reply
  14. HubcapDiamondStarHalo

    3 months ago

    “Bryce, just shut up.”
    – Rafael Devers

    11
    Reply
    • letitbelowenstein

      3 months ago

      Bryce is a total team-first player, unlike the “proud” Devers.

      4
      Reply
      • YourDreamGM

        3 months ago

        Maybe Bryce likes outfielder better? Im sure if Devers had tj and had to play 1b because he couldn’t throw yet he would be eager to get back to 3b next year.

        Reply
  15. THEY LIVE!!!

    3 months ago

    If Harper is the altruistic team player then he could have the team defer all his monies owed except $2 mm a year like Shohei Ohtani. did for the Dodgers so they could sign other players. His offer to play the OF is insincere and a stunt. He wants more money, bottom line,

    Reply
    • Samuel

      3 months ago

      Oh, jeeze……

      4
      Reply
  16. Rsox

    3 months ago

    He means Vladdy Jr.

    Reply
  17. andymeyer

    3 months ago

    They said Harper wasn’t going to Philly either. Money talks and the Phillies have a lot of it

    2
    Reply
  18. outinleftfield

    3 months ago

    Defense has never been a prerequisite to playing the OF for the Phillies under Dombrowski, so why not.

    Reply
  19. GarryHarris

    3 months ago

    Once I heard that Boras was involved…

    1
    Reply
  20. Nats ain't what they used to be

    3 months ago

    Mr Devers could learn something about what you do to win.

    1
    Reply
  21. bravesnation nc

    3 months ago

    Say what you want, but dude is willing to do whatever to help the team. Over the years I’ve acquired a bit of respect for Harper.

    Reply
  22. onthebucks

    3 months ago

    How much is Harper’s sudden willingness to return to the outfield his own damage control? This is an important question because it has long appeared the inmates have been running the asylum in Philly, and fans have started realizing it. Harper, Turner, and Schwarber have long had their own way on the team, but always sung the “whatever is best for the team” mantra, even though that didn’t always seem to be the case. Why didn’t Harper make the offer when the Phils were deciding what to do with fan favorite first baseman Rhys Hoskins, especially since the Phils always played better with Hoskins’ constant energy and support of every other player? Why didn’t Harper get more involved when the Phils adding Arenado, possibly along with Helsley, seemed a realistic consideration. Arenado at 3B, Bohm at 1B, and Harper in the OF or DH with occasional guest appearances at 1B would have strengthened the Phils this season, especially if Helsley was the team’s closer? Also, how much is Harper’s sudden magnanimity an attempt to save Schwarber’s job in his free agent walk year? Or is Harper’s offer a thinly veiled attempt to take Schwarber’s job in the near future, especially since the Phils seem to have bigger outfield plans after 2025, as well as other 1B plans? And as far as the Phils acquiring Vlad Jr.? That train may have already left the 30th St. Station. Vlad Jr has already announced his desire to play for the Red Sox after his playing days in Toronto are over. Gone are the days when players played where they were told and not allowed to micromanage their teams. Gone also is credibility when players suddenly appear generous after having their own way for so long. Remember my long standing prediction – Harper won’t end his career with the Phils. He’ll be playing for the Las Vegas Athletics sooner than many expect. Maybe Harper doesn’t even realize it yet, but the move seems to logical not to predict.

    1
    Reply
  23. tangerinepony

    3 months ago

    That’s his way of saying he doesn’t like playing 1B

    1
    Reply
    • onthebucks

      3 months ago

      pony, You got that right. What’s more, Harper knows his days in the outfield ended a long time ago. How many games would it take in the outfield before he was on the extended IL? Looks like Schwarber better start looking for a new town where some gas station is willing to name a sandwich after him. If Harper wants the luxury of DHing during his remaining time in Philly, there’s no doubt he’ll get it.

      1
      Reply
  24. Marc L

    3 months ago

    I was thinking of this possibility back in December. If Bryce really felt this way, why didn’t they make a run at Pete Alonso? Imagine adding him to this lineup. Especially with the pitching the Phillies have. A little late for Bryce to come out with this

    1
    Reply
    • onthebucks

      3 months ago

      marc, Harper is into damage control. He realizes the odds of the Phils winning the world series in 2025 have been shifting downward and, with more disappointment will come a game of musical positions for the Phils in the immediate thereafter. Playing nice will endear Harper to many and probably give him dibs on the DH for the rest of the time he is in Philly. Don’t forget, he’s still clamoring about a contract extension with the Phils. Question: If Harper doesn’t get an extension, how long do you think it will take for him to demand a trade? Answer: The time it takes to build a new stadium for the Athletics in Las Vegas.

      1
      Reply
  25. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    3 months ago

    Did Schwarber play a decent 1B for a minute? I know he played a little 1B when the Nats traded him to Boston.

    1
    Reply
    • onthebucks

      3 months ago

      jammer, Was it a whole minute? It didn’t seem that long. Schwarber was asked about the possibility of playing 1B for the Phils a few years ago. He replied that his limited attempts at playing 1B in the past were disasters, clearly displaying his disinterest. So, why now Schwarber’s sudden enthusiasm to start playing defense? Could it be a desperate move for him to stay with the Phils beyond 2025? Schwarber came to the bigs as a catcher. I wonder how long he would last catching these days. He also had a few seasons in the bigs to show his abilities as a left fielder which ended in 2023 with him being declared by statistical analysis the absolute worst defensive outfielder in the major leagues. It seems like the closer the Phils get to becoming eliminated from the 2025 world series competition, the more certain players will be trying to remind Phillies’ fans, media, and front office how they’re willing to do what ever is best for the old ball club. One can only question why they haven’t sent this message over the past few seasons. If the Braves, Mets and Dodgers play to expectation early in the season and the Phils start to become an afterthought, it will be interesting to see how certain players decompensate as the Phils get closer to the trade deadline. If the Phils were smart, they’d trade Schwarber right now while they still might be able to get something back for him. One has to wonder how much talk of extending guys like Schwarber and Harper is really high-priced PR, and who is paying for it.

      1
      Reply
  26. phillyballers

    3 months ago

    But Trae is worried about HoF SS votes with a brick glove.

    Reply

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