Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is open to moving off first base if the team can swing a major trade for a power bat. Speaking to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki, Harper said he’d return to the outfield if the Phillies acquired Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Eugenio Suárez, a two-time All-Star who’s hit 36 home runs this season. In that case, Alec Bohm would shift to first base.
“If it comes to that, I’m on board,” Harper said. “If [Dave] Dombrowski calls or the right player becomes available, I’d be willing to do it. I played outfield for years, even if it’s been a while. On days Bohm or Suárez aren’t in the lineup, I’d still want to play some first to keep my rhythm there. I don’t want to lose that position entirely.”
Harper has already proven his willingness to change positions. After Rhys Hoskins suffered a season-ending injury in spring training 2023, Harper—rehabbing from Tommy John surgery—learned to play first base and has held the role since May of that year. He also offered to give up the position during the offseason when Pete Alonso was a free agent.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to help this team win,” Harper said. “I don’t think Dombrowski would move me just for the sake of it. It would have to be for someone who makes sense for us.”
Though Dombrowski had previously said he didn’t plan to move Harper back to right field post-surgery, that stance could shift if a player like Suárez joins the lineup.
Suárez, who is set to hit free agency at season’s end, gave the Diamondbacks a scare Monday night when he was hit in the hand by a 96 mph fastball from Tigers reliever Will Vest. Tests came back negative, but Suárez sat out Tuesday’s game.
If Philadelphia does land Suárez before the deadline, their top four hitters — Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Harper, and Suárez — would form one of the league’s most dangerous offensive groups.
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