How All-Star Improves Phillies' First Base Situation
The Philadelphia Phillies made one move this offseason and now they have the most improved group at this position going into the 2024 season.
MLB.com recently ranked the most improved teams at each position so far in the offseason. The rankings were based on wins above replacement, comparing each team’s ranking at the end of the 2023 season and each team’s projected WAR at the position for 2024 per FanGraphs.
For the Phillies, they have the most improved situation at first base going into 2024.
Last year the Phillies had a revolving door at the position in the first half of the season after Rhys Hoskins’ ACL injury in Spring Training. Before the All-Star break, the Phillies used Alec Bohm, Kody Clemens, Jake Cave and Darick Hall at the position.
But, after the All-Star break the Phillies started an experiment out of expedience — Bryce Harper. The slugger was still recovering from Tommy John surgery. When he returned in May, he could hit but he couldn’t play in the field.
But by July Harper was recovered enough to play in the field but needed a position where he didn’t need to throw often.
Enter first base. Harper played the position well enough that he became their first baseman during the stretch run and the playoffs, as the Phillies made the NLCS.
Before free agency began the Phillies decided that Harper would be their everyday first baseman for 2024 and allow Hoskins to hit the market.
That move alone improved the Phillies at first base more than any other team in baseball. Last year the Phillies were No. 17 in WAR at first base. Going into 2024, with Harper in the lead, they are projected to rank No. 5.
Moving to Harper was a logical move for Harper’s long-term future but it also improved their position for next season, too.
