Philadelphia Phillies Superstar 'Open' to Permanent Position Change

Heading into the 2023 season, the Philadelphia Phillies knew they would have to change things up defensively after their right fielder Bryce Harper was set to miss time after elbow surgery and likely couldn't play there at all during the year.

When the superstar returned, he was put into the designated hitter role which moved Kyle Schwarber out into left field and Nick Castellanos into right field everyday. This substantially harmed their defense as the outfield was a major liability early in the season.

Then, Harper transitioned to first base, creating more defensive flexibility in the outfield as they moved Schwarber back to designated hitter. The former Gold Glove right fielder has exceeded all expectations in his new role at first base.

The Athletic's MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal asked Harper about his transition to first and if he could see himself there long term.

"I’m open to anything really," he said.

It's a bombshell revelation. Before the transition into the infield, Harper had only played the first base position one time as a professional.

This also comes on the heels of their injured first baseman Rhys Hoskins saying that he wants to return to Philadelphia in free agency. If Harper does move to first permanently, then the front office could view their injured slugger as expendable.

All of this comes on the heels of Los Angeles Dodgers' star Mookie Betts saying that there has been less wear and tear on his legs whenever he plays in the infield instead of outfield. Betts is having his best power year, hitting a career high 38 home runs and counting as he makes his NL MVP case.

Whether those statements have influenced Harper's thinking or not, his willingness to move permanently to first base could have a major impact on how the roster is built for the future during the Phillies' World Series window.