Two-time Nationwide League MVP Bryce Harper is “greater than open” to returning to the outfield — the place he performed his first 9 MLB seasons — if the Philadelphia Phillies can considerably improve to start with base.
“I talked to them this offseason about that,” Harper advised The Athletic in an interview printed Wednesday. “Simply in case a man was once to be had [at first] that we had to have, had to get. I might be greater than open to it, if we had a man like that who was once going to switch our lineup or trade the demeanor of our group. They prefer me to start with base. However I might move available in the market to have a man who was once going to play first base and hit 35 or 40 homers.
“When [Pete Alonso] was once at the block nonetheless, I more or less sat there and was once like, ‘Hiya, why now not?’ After we mentioned it, I more or less simply reiterated to [the Phillies] and Scott [Boras] that I am keen to transport available in the market if it will assist us. I really like taking part in first base. It is been nice. But when it will assist us win, I might return available in the market.”
Editor’s Choices
2 Similar
Alonso re-signed with the New York Mets, however he may once more be to be had after this season if he opts out of his two-year deal. Slugging first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is also scheduled to develop into a unfastened agent after failing to succeed in an extension with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.
Harper, who performed catcher and primary base previous to coming into the majors, moved to the outfield — most commonly taking part in proper box — after he was once decided on by way of the Washington Nationals with the primary select within the 2010 draft. He hasn’t performed the outfield since present process Tommy John surgical procedure after the 2022 season — his fourth with the Phillies.
He advised The Athletic that he does not have a choice what place he performs, however it “could be superior … fantastic” if he received his first-ever Gold Glove to start with base.
The 32-year-old Harper, who’s coming into his 14th main league season, has 336 occupation house runs and is mindful that 500 is inside of achieve.
“You have to keep wholesome. You have to keep robust. You have to be on successful groups, too, I think like,” Harper advised The Athletic. “Clearly, you’ll do it with out that. However I think adore it simply pushes you that a lot more to be nice, being in a company with a fan base that pushes you on a daily basis.
“Particular person stats are nice, however that something, guy … that Global Sequence. That is what you wish to have to do. All the ones issues will maintain themselves in case you are successful and in case you are staying wholesome. I am not truly too nervous about it.”
