Bryce Harper spent many years as an MLB outfielder when he started playing for the Washington Nationals. But during the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.
Harper underwent Tommy John surgery and served as the Phillies’ designated hitter during the 2023 season. In 2024, he moved to first base for Philadelphia and hasn’t played in the outfield for quite some time as a result.
Will Harper stay at first base for the 2025 season, or will he move back to the outfield?
Philadelphia Phillies Star Bryce Harper Open To Moving From First Base to Outfield
Harper is projected to be the Phillies’ starting first baseman this season. However, there’s a chance he could shift back to the outfield if it helps the team.
Ken Rosenthal reported, “I talked to (the Phillies) this offseason about that, just in case a guy was available (at first) that we needed to have, needed to get. I’d be more than open to it if we had a guy like that, who was going to change our lineup or change the demeanor of our team…”
Phillies 1B Bryce Harper has said he is "more than open" to moving back to the outfield if it would help the team. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/wrLdcKLpgH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 6, 2025
Philadelphia has one of the best lineups in baseball. As of now, the projected starting outfield includes Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos, with another spot potentially up for grabs.
With that setup, Harper likely stays at first base. But if he does move to the outfield, Kody Clemens or another depth option would take over at first. Yet, if Harper isn’t playing first, he’d likely slot in as the designated hitter. Defensively, though, Clemens would be a step down defensively from Harper at first base.
Last season with Philadelphia, Harper played in 145 games. He hit .285 with 30 home runs, 87 RBIs, and seven stolen bases with an on-base percentage of .373.
Another player who has played the outfield but primarily serves as the Phillies’ DH is Kyle Schwarber. Defensively, he’s a liability, so keeping him there makes sense.
Harper moving to the outfield wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing, but the Phillies might be better off keeping him at first. Either way, it’s clear he’s willing to do whatever helps the team.
