While Phillies fans may still be reeling from the heartbreaking 11th-inning playoff loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, there was at least one bright spot announced Wednesday afternoon: fan favorite and two-time MVP Bryce Harper has been named a finalist for the Gold Glove Award at first base for the second consecutive year.
Harper, 32, who joined Philadelphia in 2019, is one of three finalists at the position, joining Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves and Spencer Steer of the Cincinnati Reds.
This marks Harper’s second straight Gold Glove nomination, an impressive feat considering his relatively short time at the position. Fans will recall that he spent the first 11 seasons of his career in the outfield before shifting to first base during the 2023 season following Tommy John surgery and after former Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins suffered a season-ending injury.
Since making the move, Harper has made first base his home, earning praise for his defensive growth and consistency. Though best known for his power at the plate, Harper’s continued improvement in the field has elevated him into one of the National League’s most dependable corner infielders.
The only Phillie ever to win a Gold Glove at first base remains Bill White, who earned the honor in 1966. The most recent Phillie to win at any position was starting pitcher Zack Wheeler who captured the award in 2023.
Strong arguments could also be made that Trea Turner and Bryson Stott deserved nominations at shortstop and second base, respectively, as both posted highly respectable defensive metrics this season.
Winners of the Gold Glove Awards will be announced on Sunday, November 2.
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