After playing most of his MLB career as an outfielder, the Philadelphia Phillies’ star slugger Bryce Harper will enter the 2024 season as a first baseman.
During a GM Meetings in Las Vegas earlier this week, Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters that he and manager Rob Thomson believe the team is better with Harper manning the first base.
“We think he projects to be an outstanding first baseman,” Dombrowski said. “He’s willing to do whatever for the organization, and we just think for us, it makes us a better club now and as we go forward … It gives us a really good, athletic infield that can be together for years.”
Harper got a taste of first base during the 2023 MLB season when he stepped in for injured Rhys Hoskins. He started 36 games at the position and provided exceptional performances. Overall, the 31-year-old batted .293 with 21 homers and 72 RBIs for the season.
Moving Harper to first base full-time means that Hoskins, who is recovering from an ACL injury, will now have to look for a new team. The 30-year-old player is a free agent this summer, and the Phillies already informed him that they won’t be looking to extend his contract.
