Bryce Harper wanted the Phillies to make a splash this offseason by signing Pete Alonso, even offering to move back to the outfield to accommodate the slugger.
“When Pete 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 that I’m willing to move (to the outfield) if it’s going to help us,” Harper told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. “I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”
The Phillies are coming off a disappointing playoff run where they won just one game before being eliminated by the Mets in the NLDS. Their response this winter? Adding closer Jordan Romano, starter Jesús Luzardo and outfielder Max Kepler — solid moves, but nothing that dramatically reshapes their roster.
Harper’s willingness to switch positions shows just how badly he wanted the team to pursue Alonso. It’s not every day a franchise cornerstone volunteers to change his defensive home to accommodate another star.
Alonso ultimately re-signed with the Mets on a $54 million deal that includes an opt-out after the 2025 season. The Phillies never seriously pursued him, according to Rosenthal, likely due to payroll constraints that were already pushing their budget.
But fans who watched the Phillies’ offense sputter in last year’s postseason can’t help but wonder what might have been. Imagine slotting Alonso’s power bat into a lineup that already features Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber.
Harper’s positional flexibility could still pay dividends next winter, though. Rosenthal notes that if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Kyle Tucker reach free agency, the Phillies might pounce — either signing Guerrero to play first while Harper returns to right field, or adding Tucker in right while keeping Harper at first.
The message seems clear: Harper isn’t satisfied with the team standing pat. If the Phillies don’t make a deep October run in 2025, expect their franchise star to put even more pressure on the front office to make a major addition.
