Jul 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) and shortstop Trea Turner (7) against the Los Angeles Angels at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Eric Hartline
ORLANDO, Fla — Phillies fans often wonder whether Bryce Harper will return to right field or if Trea Turner could eventually move off of shortstop and become an outfielder himself. It doesn't appear either is in the cards for 2026, and the former might not happen ever.
Dombrowski once again reiterated that the Phillies don't plan to ask Harper to return to the outfield in 2026, a move that could potentially open up first base.
"No," Dombrowski responded when asked about the possibility.
While Harper has at times expressed a willingness to return to the outfield if the Phillies acquired a star first baseman, he's pretty consistently said he views first base as his position now. He hasn't played in right field since April of 2022, and the Phillies have shown even less of an inclination to consider the possibility than Harper himself. As Harper prepares for his age-33 season, it's entirely possible he won't ever play in the outfield again.
Dombrowski also said the Phillies do not plan to move Turner to the outfield, though he left a little more daylight on that possibility in the future.
"Not at this point," Dombrowski said. "Maybe some day."
There's a few problems with the idea of moving Turner to the outfield.
First of all, he struggled when the Washington Nationals tried him in center field in 2016. He was in his age-23 season then. Why would he be better at that spot a decade later?
The Phillies could try him in left field at some point, but it's worth considering that he's a speed-based player who has been on the injured list with hamstring strains in each of the past two seasons. Do the Phillies want to ask him to do more running in the outfield when having his bat in the lineup and ability to wreak havoc on the basepaths is vital?
A year ago, the idea of trying Turner in left field made more sense — although second base always seemed like a more logical landing spot — because he had posted 17 errors, minus-14 defensive runs saved and minus-three outs above average during the 2024 season.
To his credit, Turner had an incredible turnaround in the field this past season, finishing with eight errors, two defensive runs saved and 16 outs above average. He wasn't a Gold Glove finalist, but he went from being one of the worst defenders in baseball in 2024 to an above-average one in 2025.
"I really tip my cap to Trea. That's just mine, I know our organization does [as well]," Dombrowski said. "He really played well at shortstop last year. He made some significant strides defensively. His hard work with [infield coach] Bobby Dickerson, whatever all they did, he really played well at shortstop. And he still, as you know, is very athletic. So I'm not worried about him at shortstop. And then, Bryce is a really good first baseman."
As the Phillies wait to hear from both Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, not much is certain about how their 2026 lineup will look on Opening Day. However, it's a pretty safe bet that Harper will be at first base, with Turner at shortstop.
