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Bryce Harper is moving back to right field to make room for trade deadline acquisition Luis Arraez in the Philadelphia Phillies infield, and told reporters Monday that he was more than willing to change positions again.
"I've said it in years past — and everybody thinks it's crap when i say it — but any chance we have an opportunity to win, I'd do anything for this organization and they know that," Harper said on August 3. "I texted Dave (Dombrowski) late last night and told him hey if anything pops up, make the move and we'll see what happens."
Harper has been the Phillies' first baseman since 2023 after spending his entire career to that point in the outfield.
The Phillies landed Arraez, a three-time batting champion, to play second base from the San Francisco Giants early Monday morning. That will move second baseman Bryson Stott to third and third baseman Alec Bohm to first — pushing Harper back to right field.
"Obviously it's a guy that won the batting title a couple years and somebody that's gonna put the bat on the ball and an exciting player," Harper said. "I think he just brings a lot to our lineup that he's got that hit tool, and it's somebody that can be really good for us."
Representing the Giants at this year's All-Star Game, Arraez was adamant about playing second base if he was traded ahead of the deadline.
"It's going to be second base," Arraez said when asked about potential destinations and scenarios. "I don’t like to go back to first base. I prepared my mind, I prepared my body only to play second base."
More: MLB trade grades: LIVE analysis on every major deadline day deal
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Phillies' Bryce Harper said about moving to outfield after Arraez trade
Continue reading...
"I've said it in years past — and everybody thinks it's crap when i say it — but any chance we have an opportunity to win, I'd do anything for this organization and they know that," Harper said on August 3. "I texted Dave (Dombrowski) late last night and told him hey if anything pops up, make the move and we'll see what happens."
Harper has been the Phillies' first baseman since 2023 after spending his entire career to that point in the outfield.
The Phillies landed Arraez, a three-time batting champion, to play second base from the San Francisco Giants early Monday morning. That will move second baseman Bryson Stott to third and third baseman Alec Bohm to first — pushing Harper back to right field.
"Obviously it's a guy that won the batting title a couple years and somebody that's gonna put the bat on the ball and an exciting player," Harper said. "I think he just brings a lot to our lineup that he's got that hit tool, and it's somebody that can be really good for us."
Representing the Giants at this year's All-Star Game, Arraez was adamant about playing second base if he was traded ahead of the deadline.
"It's going to be second base," Arraez said when asked about potential destinations and scenarios. "I don’t like to go back to first base. I prepared my mind, I prepared my body only to play second base."
More: MLB trade grades: LIVE analysis on every major deadline day deal
Phillies lineup with Arraez
- Trea Turner, SS
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Bryce Harper, RF
- Luis Arraez, 2B
- Alec Bohm, 1B
- Brandon Marsh, LF
- Bryson Stott, 3B
- J.T. Realmuto, C
- Justin Crawford, CF
Bryce Harper, on Luis Arraez and why he’s moving to right field to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/XWYGaN0Pma
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 3, 2026
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Phillies' Bryce Harper said about moving to outfield after Arraez trade
Continue reading...