Categories: News

Bryce Harper will have a new offseason home this winter

Bryce Harper is in his fifth season with the Phillies. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Bryce Harper is on the move … to Tennessee.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported in his most recent notes column that Harper plans to move his family’s offseason residency from Las Vegas, Nevada to Knoxville, Tennessee. Nightengale noted that Tennessee has become a hotbed of sorts for major league baseball players in recent years.

Harper, who was born and raised in Las Vegas, usually spends the offseason in his hometown. Like most athletes, he does not reside in the Philadelphia area full-time, but he does maintain a residence in New Jersey.

It’s a big move for Harper and his young family, but on the field, he’s focusing on an even more drastic change.

Harper is expected to become the Phillies’ starting first baseman some time after the All-Star Break. It could happen as early as July 14 at home against the San Diego Padres, but the expectation is that he’ll be back on the field before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. Harper has logged less than an inning as an infielder in his major league career.

As Paul Casella of MLB.com pointed out, he was a first baseman as part of a five-man outfield in a Nationals-Marlins game in 2018. His future Phillies teammate J.T. Realmuto hit a game-winning single over his head.

It’s not easy to learn a new position, let alone transition from the outfield to the infield less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery.

But if it all goes well for Harper and the Phillies, maybe the newest Knoxville resident will have some fresh hardware to display in his home.

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

  1. Phillies 2023 Walk-Up Songs
  2. Zack Wheeler Admits ‘He’s Gotta Step It Up’ In Second Hal Of The Season
  3. Darick Hall Is Back With The Phillies, But For How Long?
  4. Fifth Starter Shouldn’t Be A Priority For The Phillies At Trade Deadline
  5. Darick Hall, Andrew Bellatti Both Pushing For MLB Returns
  6. Phillies Trade Dalton Guthrie To NL Team
  7. Kyle Schwarber Takes Accountability For Key Miscue, But Phillies Need Much Better Play In Left Field
  8. Phillies Could Deal From Organizational Outfield Depth As They Look To Make Upgrades This Summer
  9. As Relocation Materializes, Oakland Fans Grapple With A Ballpark’s Mortality And A City’s Betrayal
  10. What’s Your Favorite Phillies Uniform? Bryce Harper & More Give Their Picks
Share
Destiny Lugardo

A lifelong native of Philadelphia, Destiny has been a contributor for Phillies Nation since January 2019 and was named Deputy Editorial Director in May 2020.

Get throwback Phillies styles from Shibe Vintage Sports in Center City Philly