Bryce Harper has been a superstar since he was a teenager. From hitting big home runs, to making diving plays in the outfield, Harper has done it all. Recently though, he has been making headlines for different reasons.
Since his debut, Harper has been a mainstay at the right field position. While he has never won a gold glove, he is still a well-respected defender in the MLB. However, in the winter of 2022, Harper underwent surgery on his right elbow. Since the surgery was on his throwing arm, Harper could only serve as a designated hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies at the start of the 2023 season.
As the Phillies’ 2023 season hit July, their star first baseman Rhys Hoskins suffered a season-ending injury. The team was in dire need of a quality first baseman and found it in an unexpected area.
When the Phillies hit the field against the Cleveland Guardians on July 21, a familiar face jogged out to play first base, Bryce Harper. Harper was not only making his season debut at the position, but he was also making his career debut at the position.
In the 2024 season, Harper has eight outs above average. He has prevented six runs and has earned himself a spot as a gold glove finalist at first base. In short, Harper has adjusted very well to his new position.
In just a season and a half, Bryce Harper has become a dominant first baseman and is a testament to just how athletic top tier baseball players are.
by Reagan McLeod
