Is Bryce Harper trying to tell us something?
Ken Rosenthal conducted a long and interesting interview with Bryce Harper that appeared in the Athletic yesterday (link included below). The topics varied from where the Phillies star stands halfway through his contract, his thoughts on Juan Soto’s blockbuster contract, his family, and his desire to win a championship. But perhaps the most interesting part was when Harper mentioned that he has expressed to the Phillies that he is willing to move back to the outfield in the event the Phillies can acquire a star first baseman.
“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.” –Bryce Harper to Ken Rosenthal in the Athletic
The timing of Harper’s comments is interesting considering that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. figures to be the biggest name on the trade and free agent market over the next calendar year. Perhaps Harper is working his assistant GM magic again?
On to the links.
Phillies news:
- The full Harper interview with Ken Rosenthal. ($)
- Gabriel Rincones Jr. is turning a lot of heads this spring, including Kyle Schwarber. ($)
- Jimmy Rollins is in camp this week and he offered his take on the 2025 Phillies and spoke on his own Hall of Fame chances.
MLB news:
- Orioles star Gunnar Henderson’s status for Opening Day is in question after suffering an injury last week.
- We have our first weird injury of the season, as a sprinkler is going to cost the Cardinals’ Jordan Walker at least a week of time.
- Infielder and singer Jose Iglesias has reportedly agreed to a Minor league contract with the Padres.
- Speaking of the Padres, old friend Nick Pivetta made his spring debut with San Diego and made a good first impression.
- It’s offseason report card time! ($)