Feb 28, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) looks on against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Is Bryce Harper considering a return to the outfield?

For Vladimir Guerrero Jr., maybe?

Bryce Harper playing first base will always bring back some not-so-fond memories for Yankees fans (me). Because back when Harper was a free agent, when he openly loved the idea of wearing pinstripes, Brian Cashman, yes, the same Brian Cashman still running the Yankees, needed a first baseman. And he said Bryce Harper playing first base wasn’t realistic.

Fast forward to 2022. Harper injures his right elbow, gets shut down from the outfield, and suddenly, look at that, he’s playing first base. Ever since, he’s either been at first or DHing.

Bryce Harper leaping grab at first base pic.twitter.com/DMMlHyh5XX
— John Foley (@2008Philz) March 4, 2024

But now, the idea of Bryce Harper back in the outfield is actually on the table.

Bryce Harper – back to the outfield

In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Harper made it clear: If the Phillies could add a legitimate power bat and glove at first base, he’s got no problem shifting back to the outfield.

Will Bryce Harper move back to the OF? @Ken_Rosenthal with the inside scoop 👀 pic.twitter.com/zZBVL3fNnu
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 5, 2025

“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.”

ALSO READ: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Yankees tease fuels speculation amid failed Blue Jays extension talks

The Phillies never made a serious push for Pete Alonso when he was available, but Harper brought it up with his agent, Scott Boras, who also represents Alonso. “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.”

That door is still open. The Phillies haven’t been the most aggressive team in free agency this offseason, but there’s a looming question: Are they waiting on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? He’s set to hit free agency next year, and if Philadelphia is looking at adding a bat like that, Harper is basically saying, “First base is yours.”

If not Vladdy, then Kyle Tucker could be another target. If the Phillies land Tucker, Harper stays at first. If they land Guerrero, Harper shifts back to the outfield. Either way, he’s made it clear that he just wants to win, and if that means moving, he’s in. Harper has never won a Gold Glove, not in the outfield and not at first base. But he did rate well there last season, third in Outs Above Average, and seventh in Defensive Runs Saved. “Winning one at first would be awesome.”

ALSO READ: Every MLB free agent after the 2025 season

So, will he be roaming the outfield again? Maybe. Depends on who’s playing first. But if there’s one thing we do know, it’s this: The Phillies are built to win now, and Bryce Harper will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

Bryce Harper

Kyle Tucker

Pete Alonso

Phillies

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.