Phillies Projected to Sign $54 Million All-Star After Risky Bryce Harper Move

Few, if any, would blame the Phillies for pursuing Alonso, himself a four-time All-Star and one of the league’s most potent home run hitters. Alonso signed a two-year, $54 million contract in February, and he can opt out following the season.

Alonso enters this weekend’s series against the high-powered Los Angeles Dodgers batting a career-high .292 with nine homers, 37 RBI, 16 doubles, and an impressive .931 OPS.

Although Alonso is on pace for a career-low 29 homers (not counting the 16 he mashed in the shortened 2020 season), his 52 doubles would easily be the most in Mets history. Former left fielder Bernard Gilkey hit a club-record 44 in 1996.

As for Harper, the Phillies moved him to first in 2023 after Rhys Hoskins’ ACL surgery. Harper has exclusively played first base or served as the DH for the last three seasons.

Harper has not publicly ruled out moving to the outfield, nor has he insisted upon staying at first.

Alternatively, the Phillies could put Alonso or Harper at DH if Kyle Schwarber departs in free agency. Bowden proposed the rival Atlanta Braves sign Schwarber as a potential Marcell Ozuna replacement.

Alonso owns a .251 average with 17 home runs, 58 RBI, and a .811 OPS over 94 career games against the Phillies. He’s especially gotten the best of Phillies ace Aaron Nola, who has allowed 17 hits and five homers in 57 plate appearances against Alonso.