Don’t anticipate to see Philadelphia Phillies celebrity Bryce Harper patrolling the outfield of Residents Financial institution Park or some other stadium anytime quickly. Or ever once more.
Harper spoke to the Philadelphia media on Sunday morning and indicated that his transfer to first base appears to be everlasting and that he’s on board with regardless of the Phillies assume is greatest for him and the crew. The entrance workplace believes that’s first base.
“I wished them to know that I used to be on board with something they wished to do,” stated Harper by way of The Athletic. “If that was proper discipline, if that was first base — and I instructed them that. I stated if you would like me in proper discipline, I’ll play proper. If you’d like me at first, I’ll play first base. I feel collectively, they stated, first base is the place we would like you. I stated, ‘OK, I’ll do every little thing I can to be there.’”
Harper initially made the transfer to first base throughout the 2023 season to assist get his bat again into the lineup as he labored his method again from elbow surgical procedure. It was initially purported to be a brief transfer, however the Phillies have determined they’ve the items and adaptability to make it everlasting.
The veteran star’s preliminary expertise at first base produced some combined outcomes, however he was removed from a legal responsibility on the place and he needs to be higher with a full spring coaching and extra expertise to arrange.
It additionally considerably alters what the Phillies can do with their lineup. With Harper locked in at first, it doubtless signifies that Kyle Schwarber shall be a full-time designated hitter whereas Nick Castellanos stays entrenched in proper discipline.
The choice may additionally sign that third basemen Alec Bohm has a restricted future in Philadelphia as a result of first base appeared to be a possible place for him. However so long as Harper has that spot, Bohm has no probability there.
Harper, 31, is among the most impactful hitters in all of baseball however has had his share of damage points all through his profession. Placing him at first base could possibly be a great way to protect his profession and maximize his long-term worth with the Phillies. His bat is robust sufficient to play at any place on the sector, and if he can restrict the bodily put on and tear on his physique that can solely assist him preserve that worth.
His contract nonetheless has eight years remaining on it.
