The Phillies and Bryce Harper are in agreement that the slugger will remain as the team's first baseman moving forward, all but signaling the end of an era for Rhys Hoskins in Philadelphia.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made the announcement Wednesday at the GM Meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.
"It gives us a really good, athletic infield that can be together for years," Dombrowski told the Associated Press. "[Harper] is willing to do whatever for the organization, and we just think for us, it makes us a better club now and as we go forward."
Harper was an outfielder before undergoing Tommy John surgery last November. He returned to the Phillies in May and transitioned from designated hitter to a starting role at first base in July. He played solid defense and allowed manager Rob Thomson additional lineup flexibility.
"I feel good playing there," Harper said in September. "I'm still getting comfortable, but the coaches have helped, and I'm enjoying myself there, for sure."
For Hoskins, this likely means he won't be returning to the Phillies. He's a free agent and missed the entire 2023 season while working back from a torn left ACL. There was an outside chance the Phillies would make an offer to retain his services if Harper wanted to return to the outfield, but given the decision regarding first base, there isn't a spot on the roster available.
The Phillies drafted Hoskins in the fifth round of the 2014 Draft. He hit .242 in six seasons with the Phillies while clubbing 148 homers, collecting 405 RBIs, and posting a 125 OPS+.
