Bryce Harper 'open' to outfield return if it helps Phillies - ESPN

Two-time National League MVP Bryce Harper is «more than open» to returning to the outfield — where he played his first nine MLB seasons — if the Philadelphia Phillies can significantly upgrade at first base.

«I talked to them this offseason about that,» Harper told The Athletic in an interview published Wednesday. «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.

»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."

Alonso re-signed with the New York Mets, but he could again be available after this season if he opts out of his two-year deal. Slugging first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also is scheduled to become a free agent after failing to reach an extension with the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason.

Harper, who played catcher and first base prior to entering the majors, moved to the outfield — mostly playing right field — after he was selected by the Washington Nationals with the first pick in the 2010 draft. He hasn't played the outfield since undergoing Tommy John surgery after the 2022 season — his fourth with the Phillies.

He told The Athletic that he doesn't have a preference what position he plays, but it «would be awesome… unbelievable» if he won his