Bryce Harper was ready to make major change for Phillies to sign Pete Alonso

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets from spring training Bryce Harper would have been fine to swap positions for a certain polar bear.The Phillies star and two-time MVP stunningly revealed to The Athletic that he would have moved off first base and back to the outfield, where he began his career, had the team been interested in adding Mets first baseman Pete Alonso or another player of his ilk at the position.Philadelphia ultimately did not add any first basemen and Harper will be back at the position for the third straight year while the Phillies attempt to defend their NL East crown.“I talked to (the Phillies) this offseason about (returning to the outfield), just in case a guy was available (at first) that we needed to have, needed to get,” Harper told the outlet.“I’d be more than open to it if we had a guy like that, who was going to change our lineup or change the demeanor of our team.

They like me at first base.But I’d go out there to have a guy who was going to play first base and hit 35 or 40 homers.“When Pete was on the block still, I kind of sat there and was like, ‘Hey, why not?’ When we talked about it, I kind of just reiterated to (the Phillies) and Scott (Boras) that I’m willing to move out there if it’s going to help us.

I love playing first base.It’s been great.

But if it’s going to help us win, I’d go back out there.”That Harper, one of the game’s best players, would have moved for Alonso is noteworthy on several levels, particularly for the respect Harper has for Alonso.Alonso has mashed 226 homers in his first six seasons in the league, with 17 coming against Harper’s squad, and would have provided massive pop to the Phillies’ lineup.Philadelphia’s lineup cratered in the NLDS against the Mets, showing a need for some help.The franchise opted to focus more on pitching than hitting this offseason, but did a...