PHILADELPHIA— For the second straight season, Bryce Harper has been named a finalist for the National League Gold Glove award.
The Phillies' first baseman has played the position for just two and a half seasons after transitioning from the outfield in 2023. Harper learned to play first base in an effort to fill a hole left by the injured Rhys Hoskins that season. It was also a strategic move on his end, moving to a position that demanded less of the veteran physically.
Since moving from the outfield to first base, Harper has quickly been recognized for his defensive performance.
Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson and Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer were the other nominees for the award in 2025.
Defensive metrics and statistics aren't as cut and dry as we see in other sports. They certainly are not as well established as offensive numbers are in professional baseball.
Often, two metrics are typically used when discussing defensive players. Those stats are Outs Above Average (OAA) and Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Errors and fielding percentage are other categories that can be used, but often do not tell the full story of a player's defensive profile.
In terms of DRS, Harper ranked sixth among National League first basemen with a -3. Olson finished first with 17, and Steer finished second with eight. Using OAA, Olson had the highest mark again, finishing with 9 outs above average. Steer tied for second with six, and Harper finished his season with a mark of one.
Olson had the most errors among the three finalists with five, whereas Harper and Steer both had two. Olson also played the most innings at the position, with nearly 300 more innings logged over Harper in 2025.
Chances are, the Braves' first baseman will take home the award yet again in 2025.
Despite the probability that he will not take home the Rawlings Gold Glove award in 2025, Harper's nomination showcases how well he plays the position. He is one of the better first basemen in baseball, despite not playing a single inning prior to 2023.
There have often been conversations about moving Harper back to the outfield. In these discussions, the idea would be for the Phillies to bring in another first baseman, providing an overall upgrade offensively. The concept of these moves is often that Harper's ability to play the outfield would help balance out the roster.
With Pete Alonso and Josh Naylor on the market, those talks will surely appear once again. I would argue that the Phillies should focus on other positions and keep Harper at first base. After all, he is proving to be quite the first baseman.
Upgrading the team in other ways and keeping their franchise player at first base should be the play in Philadelphia. We will see if those plans take place or if the club heads in another direction.
