Before the season began, Bryce Harper stated that if the Philadelphia Phillies added a first baseman, he would be willing to return to the outfield. The team may take ownership and front office’s opinion into consideration, considering Harper’s history of health issues.
However, if one becomes available, primarily a veteran who doesn’t strike out much and can put together good at-bats, the Phillies should be interested in Harper, who is likely the best first baseman in Major League Baseball despite playing the position for the first time in his career last season after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
However, if one becomes available, preferably a veteran who doesn’t strike out often and can put together nice at-bats, the Phillies should be interested in them. If Harper is still willing to return to the outfield, Josh Bell, who was listed by Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly as one of the top 10 most likely trade candidates before the deadline, may be a wonderful fit for this Phillies lineup.
“Now in his second stint with the Nationals, Bell is a veteran switch-hitter that can play first and DH,” Kelly wrote. “The Nationals have some exciting young talents, but are probably a year or two away from contending. He signed a one-year, $6 million agreement to return to the Nats in the offseason undoubtedly realizing that there was a serious possibility he’d be dealt for the fourth consecutive summer.”
Over the past few seasons, Bell, an above-average batter, has played for several different teams in the league. He was an above-average performer as recently as 2023, recording 114 OPS+ in the second half with the Miami Marlins, despite the fact that his numbers have declined in previous seasons.
The switch-hitter’s defensive problems are understandable, and he isn’t exactly a flawless player. However, he could be a great addition to this Phillies lineup if he played like he did in 2022, when his K% put him in the 83rd percentile.
