The Philadelphia Phillies are considering significant changes ahead of the trade deadline, potentially involving Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm. In a Bryce Harper Phillies trade move, the team might shift Harper back to the outfield while moving Bohm to first base, a plan that could free up options for acquiring new talent.
Possible Trade Options for Alec Bohm and Eugenio Suarez
As the Phillies explore ways to strengthen their roster, they are reportedly open to trading third baseman Alec Bohm. One scenario includes dealing Bohm to the Arizona Diamondbacks or other teams that do not acquire Eugenio Suarez. Bringing Suarez to Philadelphia could relieve pressure on the infield and gives flexibility with Bohm’s position.
Reports indicate that the Phillies had previously asked for a high return on Bohm, with interest in Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller last winter. Despite the ambitious trade demands, the team is clearly weighing whether including Bohm in a deal is the best path forward to reinforce their lineup.
Position Changes Could Allow Bryce Harper to Return to the Outfield
Moving Bohm from third base to first base could allow Bryce Harper to move back to the outfield for the remainder of the season. Harper has expressed willingness to return to the outfield in certain situations, although Phillies president of baseball operations David Dombrowski has shown reluctance in the past to shift Harper away from first base.
“Alternatively, the Phillies could shift Bohm across the diamond from third to first base for the rest of this season. That would mean Bryce Harper would return to the outfield for a few months, which he’s expressed a willingness to do in the right situation. However, Dombrowski has always seemed hesitant to move Harper back to the outfield,”
they wrote. —The Athletic
Although the team generally prefers to keep Harper at first base, a half-season adjustment might be feasible if it helps the Phillies acquire key players or maintain overall lineup health.
Balancing Player Positions to Protect Harper’s Health
Protecting Bryce Harper’s durability remains a top priority for the Phillies. The team has been clear that they do not want to place Harper back in the outfield unless necessary. However, if this positional shift can help manage Harper’s workload and enhance the team’s chances at the trade deadline, the Phillies may be willing to reconsider their stance in the short term.
Ultimately, these potential moves illustrate how aggressively the Phillies could be pursuing improvements. Adjusting Harper’s and Bohm’s roles could be key elements in a larger strategy to optimize the roster by the deadline, especially if acquiring Eugenio Suarez or other trade targets becomes possible.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Bryce Harper choose 3?
A. Harper decided to wear jersey number 3 with the team. The Phillies were thinking about retiring number 34, which he previously used with the Nationals, to honor Roy Halladay.
Q. Is Bryce Harper a member of the LDS Church?
A. Harper belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chooses not to consume alcohol. When asked a question about it, he said, “I’m not going to answer that. That’s a clown question, bro.” His remark quickly turned into an Internet meme. Even Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid borrowed the phrase when responding to a question.
Q. Is Bryce Harper one of the best?
A. Bryce Harper is a well-known baseball player from America, famous for his impressive skills and quick success in the sport. He was born on October 16, 1992, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harper was seen as a star player early on and was the first pick in the 2010 MLB Draft when he was just seventeen.