SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on May 25, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
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The Philadelphia Phillies have asked Bryce Harper to do plenty throughout his career.
The two-time MVP has been the face of the franchise, a middle-of-the-order force and a clubhouse leader during the team’s return to contention. And after the team lost long-time first baseman Rhys Hoskins to an injury, it asked him to transition from the outfield to become a full-time replacement as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.
And while Harper has largely succeeded in that role, the Phillies recently indicated that he has some room to improve
Philadelphia Phillies’ Manager Don Mattingly Notes Bryce Harper Room For Improvement
On Tuesday, the Phillies created some intrigue when they gave Kyle Schwarber a start at first base for the first time in his career with the team.
That development naturally led to questions about Harper’s defensive progress and whether the club still sees areas where he can improve. And manager Don Mattingly, who was a nine-time Gold Glover in his own run at first base with the New York Yankees, suggested that Harper has some work to do.
“It’s been OK. I think it can get better,” Mattingly said of Harper’s defensive work at first, per 94 WIP Sports Radio. “I think we got him off the bag more as the season got started, that helped. And then just footwork around the bag, I think is important for him to continue to work on.”
Mattingly was also quick to note that everybody on the team can continue to improve at their defensive positions. But for a player like Harper, who endured some questions about his “elite” status from the team’s front office after last season, any form of criticism might be taken to heart.
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Though Mattingly used the opportunity to point out some mild concerns about Harper’s defense, it also seemed geared toward getting the star slugger a bit of rest as he continues to post on a regular basis.
“Making his first start at first base since Game 6 of the 2021 ALCS with the (Boston) Red Sox, Schwarber teed off for his MLB-leading 25th home run of the season in the fourth inning,” Paul Casella noted after the game for MLB.com. “Harper has started 68 of his 73 games at first base, while getting a handful of DH days.”
That workload demonstrates how firmly Harper remains entrenched in the lineup despite Mattingly’s suggestion that more growth on defense should be encouraged.
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