Bryce Harper Somehow Has Room For Immense Improvement
The biggest superstar in Major League Baseball will begin his first full-time season at a new position in 2024. Bryce Harper transitioned to first base beginning in July 2023. It looks like the Philadelphia Phillies, a team that’s succeeded despite below average fielding in recent seasons, has upgraded with the defensive realignment.
The position shuffle will benefit Harper’s long-term health with less wear and tear than he would’ve experienced in right field. It’ll upgrade one position defensively, enable Rob Thomson to optimize the overall defensive lineup, and allow Harper to return to a role that hasn’t been possible since 2021 as the franchise centerpiece during the entire length of the regular season.
Harper Replaces Hoskins
Tom McCarthy spoke on 97.5 The Fanatic about the impact of the position switch. He’s comfortable calling Harper an upgrade over Rhys Hoskins.
“Bryce is a better defender at first base, no doubt… He’s really athletic, and we all know that. He’s going to win a Gold Glove at first base, I think. I don’t know if it’ll be this year, but I do think before it’s all said and done, he’s going to win a Gold Glove.” –Tom McCarthy
The Phillies play-by-play broadcaster just made a bold prediction about a player who only played 49 regular-season and postseason games at first since the position switch. However, Phillies fans saw the dynamic superstar transition smoothly late in the 2023 season. He announced his natural ability at all points of the diamond with an excellent game against the Cleveland Guardians on July 21 in his first start after the switch.
BRYCE HARPER WHAT IN THE WORLD pic.twitter.com/CTMqXpkahY
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 22, 2023
The numbers support McCarthy’s claim about the upgrade over Hoskins, who signed with the Milwaukee Brewers after a memorable six seasons in Philadelphia. Harper finished above the MLB median in the defensive runs saved (DRS) metric in 36 regular-season games at first. Hoskins improved late in his tenure, but he racked up -6 DRS in four seasons as a full-time first baseman.
The Potential Downside
Harper’s athleticism isn’t difficult to recognize in the field. Larry Bowa spoke on 97.5 The Fanatic about how the two-time National League MVP will experience a bigger adjustment with familiarity on cutoff plays, how to handle infield bunt rotations, and the awareness of a responsibility on every play after spending so many seasons in the outfield.
First base might not look like the hardest position. Remember the fictional line from Ron Washington in Moneyball before taking it for granted though.
Experience playing a position gives major leaguers better ability to anticipate plays and work with a team’s collective defensive execution. Bowa has no doubt that Harper can handle the adjustment over time.
“He’s been on the cover of Sports Illustrated… Pressure doesn’t bother him. In fact, it goes the other way with him. When that red light’s on, he takes it to another level. I think you’re going to see that at first base.” –Larry Bowa
Phillies Will Benefit From Healthy Bryce Harper
Harper has maintained his status as the face of the Philadelphia Phillies despite missing 99 games the past two seasons. The addition of the designated hitter (DH) to the National League, the position change to first base, and the fortunate and timely health of Bryce Harper during the postseason has distracted from the reality that his lack of availability has limited his overall impact.
An unforgettable 2022 NLCS home run and intimidating trash talk against the Atlanta Braves will inevitably steal the hearts of Philadelphia fans. However, Harper finished with a WAR of 10.3 in the first two 162-game seasons of his current 13-year contract. The number dipped to 6.2 in 2022 and 2023 combined.
A better acclimation in Spring Training, a (presumably) healthy start to 2024, and the comfort level of an everyday position should get Harper into a better rhythm to return to MVP impact over a full MLB season.
The position shuffle also allows Kyle Schwarber to move to the DH spot in a full-time capacity. Alec Bohm won’t have nearly as many interruptions to his excellent progress at third base. It allows Thomson further lineup flexibility after two seasons when getting Harper into the lineup in any capacity took priority.
The Phillies have won five playoff series in two seasons without these advantages. Harper has somehow reached a legendary status among the fan base in the meantime. Imagine what he does with added room for improvement.
Watch The John Kincade Show on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
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