10
Loading video...
By Ben Watanabe
Contributing Sports Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Toothbrush? Check.
Underwear? Check.
Outfielder's glove? That's a check.
Read More on MLB
Bryce Harper's packing list had an unusual inclusion for the Philadelphia Phillies' current six-game road trip, which began Monday and runs up until next Monday's MLB trade deadline. Exclusively a first baseman or designated hitter for the past four seasons, Harper came prepared in case the team makes a move that requires him to change positions.
...
"I brought my glove, just in case they make a trade," Harper told The Athletic's Matt Gelb.
Such a move is unlikely for a number of reasons. As Gelb points out, this deadline market isn't rich with slugging first basemen. But the bigger reason is Harper himself. He originally moved to first base in 2023 for injury reasons, and at 33 there's more reasons to protect his body now more than than ever. Neither of the corner outfield spots at Citizens Bank Park is all that difficult, but it's still more strain than the team likely wants to ask.
Harper's glove is nowhere near as important as his bat, after all. He's underperformed relative to his lofty standards, but he's still a heck of a hitter. He entered Tuesday with 22 home runs and an .850 OPS while playing in every single Phillies game this season.
Closing in on 400 career home runs, Harper is at the beginning of the end of a Hall of Fame career. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski caught flak last offseason for questioning whether Harper was still elite, but his comments ring true based on Harper's play. Harper has played like an above-average player, an All-Star caliber player, but not an elite player.
If he were, the Phillies wouldn't be looking for offensive help and he wouldn't be packing an extra glove, just in case.
More MLB: Mets Broadcaster Decries Braves Leaving Pitcher Out to Dry: 'Poor Kid'
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines