“He's really, really good over there" – Phillies infielder Whit Merrifield raves about Bryce Harper’s development at first base
Bryce Harper was a big reason why Whit Merrifield chose to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies. The two sides agreed on a one-year, $8 million contract over the offseason.
Merrifield has struggled out of the gates this season, not being an everyday player. Through 24 games, he is hitting just .188 but already has two home runs to his name.
Merrifield recently joined Foul Territory TV to discuss what it is like to play alongside Harper. He is especially impressed by just how Harper has handled his position change from the outfield to first base.
"I mean, obviously, he is really good over there. I'm not just saying that because he's my teammate. He's really, really good over there," - said Whit Merrifield.
During the 2023 season, Harper made just one error over at first base. That is quite the accomplishment because true baseball fans know how hard first base truly is.
"He's been fielding the ball great, he picks the ball extremely well for some guy that hasn't played a lot of first base," - said Merrifield.
There is not much that Merrifield can point the finger at with Harper at first base. He has handled the position change better than most likely would.
Phillies infielder Whit Merrifield is impressed with Bryce Harper's athletic ability
Bryce Harper has been turning heads since he stepped to the plate as a high schooler in Nevada. Sports Illustrated came out with a story in 2009 comparing him to baseball's LeBron James.
It is a story that has stuck as Harper has been one of the game's best since debuting for the Washington Nationals in 2012. Tom Verducci had a good eye on this one.
"He's made some great athletic plays. He's such a good athlete that that part of of it was probably just going to happen because of how good of an athlete he is" - said Merrifield.
In Whit Merrifield's eyes, there is seemingly nothing Harper cannot do, and that is without talking about his work at the plate. That speaks to just how good the seven-time All-Star is.
Going into Thursday, Harper is hitting .271/.387/.528 with 10 home runs and 32 runs batted in. He has been a big reason why the Phillies have gotten off to such a hot start. They control the National League East with their 31-13 record.