Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper has expressed his readiness to move off first base if the team successfully acquires a powerful hitter at the trade deadline. Harper specifically mentioned Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez, a two-time All-Star with 36 home runs this season, as a potential addition that could prompt a positional shift.
Harper shared with MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki that if Suarez joins the Phillies, he would return to the outfield to make room, with teammate Alec Bohm moving over to first base in that arrangement.
Harper Explains Conditions for Position Change
When discussing the possible switch, Harper said,
If it ever gets to that point, I’m willing,
conveying his openness to the idea whenever team president Dave Dombrowski signals the move. He emphasized his comfort playing first base, acknowledging it is a position he has not played recently but has experience in.
I played it for a long time. Obviously, I haven’t in a long time as well. If we did have that communication, obviously on days where Bohm or Suárez don’t play, I’d like to stick at first just for reps and things like that. I don’t want to lose first base, just the way I play over there.
Harper’s Adaptability Demonstrated Through Recent Seasons
This willingness to adjust is not new for Harper. During his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2023, he learned to play first base after Rhys Hoskins suffered a season-ending knee injury in spring training. Since May 2023, Harper has been the Phillies’ regular first baseman. He also showed flexibility by offering to move off first base in the offseason when free agent Pete Alonso was still available.
If it’s even a possibility, I’ll do anything for this team to win games,
Harper stated, adding,
I don’t think [Dombrowski] would move me just to move me. I would think they would get the right player. I don’t think it’s going to be something that’s not right for our team.
Front Office Perspective and Recent Injury Update on Suarez
Dave Dombrowski previously said he did not plan to move Harper back to the outfield following his elbow surgery. However, the potential acquisition of a hitter like Suarez could change that strategy. Suarez recently experienced an injury scare when hit in the right hand by a 96 mph fastball from Detroit Tigers reliever Will Vest. Fortunately, x-rays, CT scans, and an MRI revealed no serious damage, though Suarez missed the following game.
Potential Impact of Adding Suarez to Phillies Lineup
If Suarez is obtained before the trade deadline, the Phillies would strengthen their lineup considerably. The core batting order would feature Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Eugenio Suarez, creating a formidable sequence of hitters. Harper’s willingness to move defensively could be key to integrating Suarez into the team’s plans seamlessly.