Bryce Harper Was Open to Outfield Move if Phillies Signed Pete Alonso to Contract

Bryce Harper hasn't played in the outfield since 2022, but he was open to moving back there if the Philadelphia Phillies wanted to make a play for Pete Alonso when his free agency was dragging out.

Speaking to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Harper explained he spoke to his agent and the Phillies front office about his willingness to change positions if they decided to pursue Alonso:

"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. They like me at first base. But I’d go out there to have a guy who was going to play first base and hit 35 or 40 homers.

"When Pete (Alonso) was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to (the Phillies) and Scott (Boras) that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us. I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there."

Rosenthal noted the Phillies never got to the point when they were seriously considering Alonso. He did suggest Harper could be an option to move back to the outfield in 2026 if Philadelphia decides to go after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported in November that Philadelphia was looking to add another hitter, but it was "unlikely" the organization would pursue Alonso.

Alonso had a prolonged free agency that finally ended on Feb. 12 when he signed to a two-year, $54 million contract to return to the New York Mets. He could end up back on the market next offseason since he has an opt-out after 2025.

Harper spent the first 10 seasons of his MLB career playing mostly in the outfield, primarily in right field. He was diagnosed with a torn UCL early in his right elbow early in the 2022 season, forcing him to shift to designated hitter for the remainder of the year to keep his bat in the lineup.

After the Phillies' run to the World Series, Harper had Tommy John surgery in November 2022. He has primarily played at first base since returning to the lineup in May 2023.

Harper has made himself into a very good defensive first baseman. He ranked in the 93rd percentile among all players at the position last season with eight outs above average.

There's no doubt that Harper's bat will play no matter where he's playing on the field. He hit .285/.373/.525 with 30 homers in 145 games last season.