The Philadelphia Phillies’ pursuit of Juan Soto might have broader implications, particularly for Bryce Harper’s future at first base.
Although the Phillies aren’t considered frontrunners for Soto, his connections to Philadelphia—through former Nationals teammates Trea Turner and hitting coach Kevin Long—make the possibility intriguing. Still, Soto’s most likely destinations are reportedly the New York Yankees, New York Mets, or Boston Red Sox, with the Toronto Blue Jays seen as a long shot. If the Phillies were to land Soto, it would be a major surprise across the league.
For now, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski faces a tough decision. The team is in dire need of outfield reinforcements, but the market beyond Soto is limited. This raises an important question: could Harper shift back to the outfield? Harper himself has expressed reluctance to return, saying in February, “I don’t think I’ll move back out there… but never say never.” Dombrowski echoed that sentiment, emphasizing, “At this stage of his career, how he has adjusted to the position, that’s not a preference.”
Could Harper Return to the Outfield?
If the Phillies fail to land a marquee outfielder like Soto, their alternatives may lie elsewhere. The first-base market offers attractive options such as Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, and Paul Goldschmidt—players who could be acquired for a fraction of Soto’s cost.
Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that the Phillies are targeting outfielders with less strikeout potential. However, top-tier options like Anthony Santander and Teoscar Hernández, while powerful, strike out too often for the Phillies’ liking.
The average MLB outfielder posted an OPS of .715 last season, while Harper maintained an OPS near .900. Even though Harper’s defensive abilities aren’t what they once were, his offensive value in a corner outfield role might outweigh his current contributions at first base.
If the Phillies can’t secure a high-profile acquisition like Soto or a trade for a star like Luis Robert Jr., Harper’s return to the outfield could emerge as a fallback option. Dombrowski faces critical decisions as he shapes the Phillies’ roster for the upcoming season.
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