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Bryce Harper Reveals Role Plans for if Phillies Signed Pete Alonso

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sean Treppedi | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 12:04 PM ET

Pete Alonso is returning to the New York Mets on a two-year deal, but the NL East foe Philadelphia Phillies had a plan in store for if Alonso was signed.

First baseman Bryce Harper hasn't played in the outfield since 2022.

He told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that he spoke to both his agent and the Phillies front office about the prospect of changing positions for Alonso's arrival.

"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," Harper said to Rosenthal. "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.

Rosenthal reported that the Phillies never reached a stage of serious consideration for Alonso.

However, he suggested that if Philadelphia pursues Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency, Harper could be a candidate to return to the outfield in 2026.

"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," Harper said. "I love playing first base. It’s been great. But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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