Ranking first base possibilities for the 2024 Phillies

First base went from a spot that was completely solidified for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023 to one that never really had a comfortable solution until the second half of the season. The reasoning behind this, of course, was the devastating Rhys Hoskins injury that robbed the longtime Phillie of the entire 2023 campaign.

After Hoskins went down, the Phillies were forced to scramble to find their first baseman. Alec Bohm, the team's primary third baseman entering the season, led the team in games played at first base in 2023 with 69 appearances. Players like Kody Clemens, Jake Cave, and Darick Hall wound up playing 15 or more games at the position as well.

Option #1: Keep Bryce Harper at first base

This is really up to Bryce Harper. If he wants to play first base full time and abandon the outfield, he's going to play first base. If Harper wants to go back to the outfield full time, it sounds like that option is open as well. Both avenues are quite easy to figure out for Philadelphia.

If Harper stays at first base, the Phillies can line up exactly how they did in the postseason. Harper will play first, and they'll have an outfield that consists of Brandon Marsh in left, Johan Rojas in center, and Nick Castellanos in right. With this alignment, Kyle Schwarber will be the team's DH just about every day.

Keeping Schwarber out of the field is how the Phillies can get the most out of their defense. Keeping Harper at first is the same thing, as it ensures Johan Rojas will play just about every day. If Harper was in the outfield, they'd likely slide Castellanos to left field and Brandon Marsh to center field as their bats cannot be removed from the lineup.

It all really comes down to comfort for Harper. The Phillies will be fine offensively regardless. Letting him choose is a fine decision. Just make sure he stays on the field, please.