The Philadelphia Phillies have a range of choices to contemplate as they plan for their first baseman in the upcoming 2024 season.
In 2023, the first base position for the Philadelphia Phillies went from being a secure spot to one filled with uncertainty, primarily due to the unfortunate injury that sidelined Rhys Hoskins for the entire year.
With Hoskins sidelined, the Phillies had to make adjustments to fill the first base role. Alec Bohm, who had been primarily a third baseman at the start of the season, ended up playing 69 games at first base in 2023. Additionally, players like Kody Clemens, Jake Cave, and Darick Hall also had stints at the position, each playing 15 or more games.
Option #1: Bryce Harper’s Decision The fate of the first base position largely hinges on Bryce Harper’s personal choice. If Harper decides to commit to playing first base full time and gives up his outfield role, he will be the Phillies’ first baseman. Conversely, if Harper prefers to return to the outfield, that option is also available. Both scenarios are feasible for Philadelphia.
Should Harper continue at first base, the Phillies’ lineup would resemble their postseason configuration, with Harper at first, and an outfield trio of Brandon Marsh in left, Johan Rojas in center, and Nick Castellanos in right. In this setup, Kyle Schwarber would predominantly serve as the designated hitter (DH).
Maintaining Schwarber away from field duties is pivotal for enhancing the team’s defense. Keeping Harper at first base serves a similar purpose, ensuring Johan Rojas’s regular presence in the lineup. If Harper were in the outfield, it might necessitate repositioning Castellanos to left field and Marsh to center field, as their bats are indispensable.
Ultimately, the decision rests on Harper’s comfort, as the Phillies are poised to excel offensively in any case. Allowing Harper to choose is a reasonable course of action, provided he remains a key player on the field.
Option #2: Re-signing Rhys Hoskins The injury that sidelined Rhys Hoskins was a significant setback, especially since he was approaching a contract year and aiming to prove himself as a reliable first baseman while helping the Phillies chase a World Series victory.
Hoskins’ return to Philadelphia remains uncertain. While he likely desires to return, the Phillies aren’t compelled to be overly eager to bring him back. Their lineup is formidable with or without him, and Harper’s defensive capabilities at first base are comparable, if not superior, to Hoskins’. Hoskins, while an attractive free agent with his on-base and power-hitting skills, won’t come at a low cost.
The Phillies have other areas to address, especially if Harper is content with staying at first base. While a reunion with Hoskins is possible and beneficial to all parties, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hoskins explore other options if Harper is committed to first base.
Option #3: Shifting Alec Bohm to First Base Alec Bohm played a significant portion of the 2023 season at first base due to necessity. Other players like Darick Hall, Jake Cave, and Kody Clemens struggled at the position, prompting the move. Utilizing Bohm at first and Edmundo Sosa at third proved advantageous for the team until Harper settled at first and Johan Rojas joined the lineup.
Bohm exhibited notable improvement in his defensive abilities at third base, especially during the postseason. However, moving him to first base is a possibility since it may be his optimal defensive position.
Nonetheless, this would require the Phillies to secure a competent third baseman, as Sosa’s offensive performance against right-handed pitchers is serviceable but not ideal for everyday play. If the Phillies sought a free-agent third baseman and relocated Bohm to first, it would mean moving Harper back to the outfield, potentially impacting their outfield defense but potentially bolstering their infield, depending on the new third baseman’s capabilities.
Option #4: Signing an External Free Agent If the Phillies intend to return Harper to the outfield, they have the option of pursuing external free agents to fill the first base position. While re-signing Rhys Hoskins is a top priority, other decent alternatives exist if he opts for another team.
Josh Bell, who had an impressive second half with the Marlins, could be a valuable addition to the Phillies. Bell, a switch-hitting first baseman with a solid .889 career OPS at Citizens Bank Park, proved his worth in the middle of the Marlins’ lineup down the stretch.
Brandon Belt, despite a slow start in 2023, finished strongly for the Blue Jays and could provide an offensive boost, particularly against right-handed pitchers. His .890 OPS against righties makes him a tempting option, provided he decides to play in 2024.
Former Phillie Carlos Santana is another potential candidate, having contributed significantly to the NL Central champion Brewers in 2023 with above-average first base performance.
In case Hoskins departs, the Phillies may not necessarily target a player like Cody Bellinger to fill the void, but several short-term options are available for consideration by the Phillies’ decision-makers, led by Dave Dombrowski.
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