Bryce Harper reveals Phillies wasted chance to add slugger this offseason
The Phillies’ superstar told the team he’d move back to the outfield if it meant a big addition at first base this offseason.
By most fans’ standards, the Philadelphia Phillies didn’t have a big offseason. They made some key and much-needed additions, but nothing that made a big splash in the national headlines.
Trading for left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo was easily the most underrated move by Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. But the addition of right-hander closer Jordan Romano in the bullpen is nothing to sneeze at, either.
The only position player added to the roster this winter was outfielder Max Kepler. He signed a one-year, $10 million contract in December, and will be counted on as the everyday left fielder — a plan we hope pans out. Fans wishing for the addition of a bigger offensive bat were left disappointed.
Bryce Harper told Phillies he’d move back to outfield to add a slugger at first base
However, as Bryce Harper tells it, he gave the Phillies the flexibility to add a big power bat at first base. Despite Harper now being accustomed to playing first after moving in from right field following his Tommy John surgery in 2022, he recently told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal that he informed the Phillies this winter that he would be more than happy to move back out to the outfield (subscription required).