Oct 24, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) in the eighth inning for game seven of the NLCS for the 2023 MLB playoffs against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: NLCS-Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA — Bryce Harper has become the face of the Philadelphia Phillies organization. The former MVP has helped turn the Phillies into a perennial contender each October.
As Harper enters his age 31 season, he’s looking to make a full-time move to first base. Following his Tommy John surgery, the two-time MVP did not play any games in the outfield last year, and played 36 games (with 89 at DH). He posted a +1 DRS in his first full season at first, suggesting the full time move is more than tangible.
Harper and team president Dave Dombrowski had met earlier this offseason to discuss the idea of the superstar staying in the infield full time.
“I wanted them to know that I was on board with anything that they wanted to do. I said if you want me in right field, I’ll play right. If you want me at first, I’ll play first base, and I think as a collective they said first base is where we want you, and I said, OK, I’m going to do anything I can to be there.”
Manager Rob Thomson says the move could extend Harper’s career.
“For longevity, I think it’s good for Bryce and it’s good for the ballclub,” Thomson said. “There’s a little bit more movement but a lot less running.”
Philadelphia is looking to break through and cash in on the club’s back-to-back NLCS appearances with a World Series Win and Harper is willing to do whatever it takes to chase that ring.
“This is a window that we got to win in,” Harper exclaimed. “Our ownership deserves that. Our fans deserve that. Dombrowski deserves that, as well, and we do, too.”
