Phillies' Superstar Hints at Potential Return of Slugger in Free Agency

Bryce Harper has stepped into the role of full-time first baseman and is proving that he could be a long-term solution at that position. But he also hinted at the potential return of their slugger when free agency begins.

The Philadelphia Phillies continue to battle in the NLCS as they look to get back to their second consecutive World Series.

They're now up 2-1 against the Arizona Diamondbacks after dropping Game 3 on the road Thursday.

All the organization is focused on is bringing home their first championship since 2008 even as free agency for some of their star players looms.

But with that in mind, Phillies superstar Bryce Harper also dropped a hint that one of their popular sluggers, Rhys Hoskins, could be coming back to Philadelphia in free agency.

When discussing his transition to first base, he said, "Of course, with Rhys possibly coming back, whatever that determines or whatever happens with that, I expect him to go back to first base and me go to the outfield and play out there in some capacity."

Hoskins tore his ACL in spring training this year and has missed the entire season.

There has been some thought that he could make it back for the World Series if the Phillies make it there.

Hoskins will hit free agency once the year ends and was originally projected to return to first base if he re-signed.

As Harper has emerged at that position, the need to bring back the slugger has become more murky.

"But I don’t mind giving them the option, even if he does come back, if Rhys needs a day off, or giving them the option to put me at first base and them knowing, 'Hey, we can put him there at any point and he’ll be fine,'" Harper added.

Philadelphia probably wants to bring back Hoskins if they can retain him on a club friendly deal.

After all, they were the organization that drafted and developed him into an impactful Major League slugger.

As Harper has continued to emerge as a viable long-term option at first base, there is no longer a glaring hole at that position and makes Hoskins' status to return unknown as of now.