The Philadelphia Phillies considered acquiring a top-tier slugger during the trade deadline but declined to reshape their defensive alignment by moving either Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber to the outfield permanently. Despite bringing in right-handed center fielder Harrison Bader, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski opposed changing the players’ usual positions, even though it might have strengthened the lineup.

Discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks Over Eugenio Suarez

The Phillies engaged in discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks about third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who ultimately was traded to the Seattle Mariners for three prospects. Reports from Phillies reporter Scott Lauber reveal that talks stalled because Suarez’s arrival required Schwarber to give up the designated hitter role for left field, or alternatively, Harper to switch back to the outfield while Suarez covered third base and Alec Bohm shifted to first base.

Dombrowski said,

“

But internally that wasn’t our preference.

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This reluctance meant that moving Harper or Schwarber to the outfield was not seriously entertained.

Impact a Suarez Addition Would Have Had on the Lineup

Adding Suarez, who becomes a free agent at season’s end, could have created a formidable batting order with Trea Turner, Schwarber, and Harper, pushing key players like catcher J.T. Realmuto and right fielder Nick Castellanos further down. Before his trade to Seattle, Suarez held an .897 OPS and hit 36 home runs, highlighting his offensive value. Still, due to the positional concerns, the Phillies are unlikely to pursue him in the upcoming offseason.

Strategic Choices Shape Phillies’ Future Moves

The Phillies’ hesitation to alter the defensive roles of Harper or Schwarber reflects a cautious approach amid these trade talks. While acquiring a powerful hitter could have strengthened Philadelphia’s lineup, the internal resistance to shifting players in the field likely influenced the team’s decision to pass on these opportunities. With Suarez now with the Mariners, Philadelphia’s front office will need to explore other paths to bolster their roster moving forward.