Bryce Harper would have been fine to swap positions for a certain polar bear.
The Phillies star and two-time MVP stunningly revealed to The Athletic that he would have moved off first base and back to the outfield, where he began his career, had the team been interested in adding Mets first baseman Pete Alonso or another player of his ilk at the position.
Philadelphia ultimately did not add any first basemen and Harper will be back at the position for the third straight year while the Phillies attempt to defend their NL East crown.
“I talked to (the Phillies) this offseason about (returning to the outfield), just in case a guy was available (at first) that we needed to have, needed to get,” Harper told the outlet. “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 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 Harper, one of the game’s best players, would have moved for Alonso is noteworthy on several levels, particularly for the respect Harper has for Alonso.
Alonso has mashed 226 homers in his first six seasons in the league, with 17 coming against Harper’s squad, and would have provided massive pop to the Phillies’ lineup.
Philadelphia’s lineup cratered in the NLDS against the Mets, showing a need for some help. The franchise opted to focus more on pitching than hitting this offseason, but did add outfielder Max Kepler.
The Phillies seemingly did not want to take the plunge with Alonso, with the Mets and Blue Jays instead being the top aggressors for his services, per The Post’s Jon Heyman.
The Mets ultimately re-signed Alonso to a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out clause after the first season that could clear the path for Alonso to potentially sign with the Phillies next offseason.
Alonso and Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. project as the top free agents among first basemen, should Alonso opt out of his contract.
It’s possible Japanese star Munetaka Murakami could be posted and provide another slugger for the position.
Harper told The Athletic he does not have a preference for where he plays, but he has enjoyed first base.
Entering his 14th season, Harper is still chasing that elusive World Series ring.
“Individual stats are great, but that one thing, man … that World Series,” he told the publication. “That’s what you want to do. All those things will take care of themselves if you’re winning and if you’re staying healthy. I’m not really too worried about it.”
