The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly acquiring Luis Arraez from the San Francisco Giants, but will need to make some positional changes to get him at second base.
Until this season, defense had always been a concern with Arraez. However, he has been an elite defender at second base this season, and the Phillies will want to keep him there. The only problem is they already have a solid bat at second base in Bryson Stott. The team really needs an offensive upgrade in the outfield, and Arraez actually helps them get that.
According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies will move Bryce Harper back to the outfield, Alec Bohm to first base and Stott to third base to open up second base for Arraez. Harper has noted he is willing to move back to the outfield to help the team, and he will get a chance to do that now.
Harper started playing more first base in 2023, after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It helped him avoid having to throw too much, helped his recovery and opened the door for Kyle Schwarber to be the regular designated hitter. Overall, Harper has been fine defensively at first base, but will now more than likely find himself in right field again.
He has not played in right field since 2022, but has over 7,000 innings there. The two-time MVP should have no problem getting used to right field again, especially if it means adding a bat like Arraez's to the lineup. The Phillies lineup strikes out a bunch and struggles against southpaws.
Arraez is in the 100th percentile for strikeout rate and has a .782 OPS against southpaws this season. He is trying to win his fourth batting title, and will look to do so in his fourth different uniform. Defensively, he is in the 98th percentile in outs above average.
The move back to right field is a significant one for Harper. His throwing arm will be something to watch. The move certainly comes with injury risk, but it's clearly a risk the team is willing to take.