The Philadelphia Phillies have five potential trade destinations for Bryce Harper if they decide a drastic shakeup is necessary, according to a FanSided analysis published Friday.
Jake Elman of FanSided restarted the trade conversation around the nine-time All-Star after Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic wrote that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and owner John Middleton “need to kick around the idea” of parting with Harper or Kyle Schwarber.
Rosenthal added that “actually following through, though, would be another matter, given Middleton’s affection for both players.”
Harper turns 34 on Oct. 16. He led the majors in walks, posted a .380 on-base percentage — his highest since 2023 — and finished with 29 home runs, 87 RBIs, 32 doubles and an .865 OPS. That production was not enough to prevent a late collapse and a Wild Card Series loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Both Harper and Schwarber have no-trade clauses, and neither had requested a trade as of Friday afternoon. Elman framed the destinations as realistic fits only if Philadelphia chooses to explore a deal entering Harper’s 16th big-league season. Nearly a year ago, Dombrowski publicly wondered whether Harper would regain his “elite” form, which immediately fueled speculation.
The Athletics were listed as an honorable mention. Rosenthal mentioned them because of the club’s impending move to Las Vegas and Harper’s Nevada roots. Elman wrote that such a trade would also be a sign of goodwill by owner John Fisher, given the organization’s penny-pinching reputation, but questioned why Harper would join a team still playing in a minor-league stadium and still short on developed starting pitching.
Arizona was the first full fit. The Diamondbacks extended manager Torey Lovullo, and there have been no recent updates on a Ketel Marte trade, whose 10-and-5 rights would be a dealbreaker anyway. A move to Arizona would mean 26 games against the Dodgers and Padres.
Elman pointed to Corbin Carroll, Gabriel Moreno and Geraldo Perdomo as a young core, and noted Lovullo just watched Nolan Arenado turn back the clock. The fit improves if Harper prefers to play first base again.
Boston was next. The Red Sox lost a second straight postseason series to the Yankees, with a disappearing offense and manager Chad Tracy’s bullpen management drawing fan anger. Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras both took jabs at Tracy after the Game 2 loss, and it is unclear whether either veteran returns.
Elman called Harper’s swing a match for Fenway Park and described him as a respected leader, suggesting chief baseball officer Craig Breslow prioritize him as a middle-of-the-order veteran who could stabilize the clubhouse.
San Francisco was the third full destination. Elman wrote that president of baseball operations Buster Posey may attempt another splash move, and that Harper fits. Rafael Devers’ second-half resurgence was one of the Giants’ few bright spots in a disappointing season.
Common sense, Elman wrote, suggests Harper would play right field, with Jung Hoo Lee potentially moving to center. Harper’s history with the Giants, including a thrown batting helmet, was acknowledged with the line that time heals old wounds.
Toronto closed the list. The Blue Jays missed the postseason and may already regret the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract amid his regression and recent work-ethic concerns. Elman wrote that should not necessarily scare Toronto off Harper if the goal is keeping up with the Yankees and Rays, provided Harper is willing to play right field on the Rogers Centre turf.
Other reporting has cast doubt on any deal. CBS Sports noted Harper’s no-trade clause, his stated attachment to Philadelphia, and roughly five years and $125 million remaining on his contract, arguing a trade would not help the Phillies in the short or long term unless they are rebuilding.
Elman’s list remains a conversation piece, not a report that Harper is available.
