The Phillies are in a tight race with the Mets for the top spot in the NL East. But baseball, as always, has a way of humbling even the best. After back-to-back shutout losses to the Astros, questions are now being raised about the Phillies’ offense and lack of outfield options. And that has made way for Bryce Harper to enter the scene.

Well, it looks like Harper is ready to dust off his outfield glove again. Rumors are rife that, owing to their offensive woes, the Phillies are eyeing a new first baseman, whether through free agency or a trade, and Harper is open to shifting back to the outfield.

“If the Phillies feel they can upgrade the team by adding a first baseman, Harper is prepared to move to the outfield.” Phillies HR Tracker quoted MLB insider Buster Olney.

However, this isn’t straightforward. For the unversed, Harper hasn’t started a game in the outfield since 2022, and you’d have to go way back to his early days to find him in left field.

Originally an outfielder by trade, Harper made the switch to first base after injuring his throwing arm in 2023. But now, with his arm seemingly back in shape, the door’s open for a return to the outfield if the team calls on him. But is the move needed for the team?

Well, apart from Nick Castellanos, the Phillies aren’t getting much from their offense. They have got Max Kepler, who is struggling with a .211 average and a .691 OPS. Next, Brandon Marsh has been decent but not game-changing (.713 OPS), and Johan Rojas has had a tough time at the plate (.558 OPS). Hence, simply put, the team needs more offense out there.

However, there aren’t a lot of solid options available. Last year, the Phillies brought in Austin Hays to help out, but injuries marred him before he was eventually let go. Now, with the trade deadline approaching, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Phillies start looking outside again for a much-needed upgrade. Harper knows that and has reportedly offered to move himself to the outfield. But will the Phillies take it?

The Phillies are unlikely to move Harper

“Bryce will be willing to do whatever needs to be done. And that’s one of the many things that are great about him. I would really prefer not to do that,” Dave Dombrowski, Phillies’ president of baseball operations, said.

Well, after putting in all that effort to get Harper comfortable at first base, moving him back to the outfield isn’t something the Phillies will do. So once he returns from his injury, he’s expected to reclaim his spot at first. That leaves the left field up for grabs. Here, Otto Kemp and Max Kepler are battling it out for playing time. The team might look to trade an outfielder as well.

Harper is expected to return to the field in the next few days, and the timing of his return couldn’t be any better. The Phillies now need him more than ever, as they are in an intense competition with the Mets.

Although he has largely remained sidelined with injuries this year, Harper has still managed to put on solid numbers, currently hitting .258 with a .368 OBP, along with nine home runs and 34 RBIs. His return will mean the Phillies will have a big piece of their puzzle.

Per the latest reports, Harper is now going through his full routine and will be back soon, although the exact date still remains uncertain.