The Phillies head into 2026 with a lineup that, on paper, looks like it can do some serious damage. The return of Kyle Schwarber this winter only reinforces that belief.
But now, a new conversation is bubbling up - one that could shake up the very top of the order. Should Bryce Harper, the face of the franchise and a two-time MVP, be hitting leadoff?
That’s the question former Phillies GM and outfielder Ruben Amaro Jr. posed on a recent episode of The Phillies Show podcast. And while it might sound unconventional at first, the logic behind it is hard to ignore.
A New Look at the Leadoff Spot
Amaro Jr. didn’t just float the idea - he laid out a vision. He pointed to a growing trend across MLB where elite hitters are being moved to the top of the lineup to maximize their plate appearances and impact on the game.
His suggestion? Slide Harper into the leadoff spot and let the rest of the order fall in behind him.
“Other than when you flip the lineup from nine to one, you go left-right all the way down,” Amaro said. “Harper left, Turner right, Schwarber left, Bohm right, Marsh left, García right, Stott left, Realmuto right, and Crawford left … that is as complete a lineup as you can possibly get.”
It’s a compelling structure - a lineup that alternates lefty-righty all the way through, which can be a nightmare for opposing bullpens trying to match up late in games. And with Harper setting the tone at the top, the Phillies would be leaning into a more modern approach that prioritizes maximizing the number of at-bats for their best hitters.
Harper’s History - and Hesitation
This wouldn’t be a completely foreign role for Harper. During his time with the Nationals, he did see occasional time in the leadoff spot. But since arriving in Philadelphia, he’s been more of a middle-of-the-order presence - and that’s where he’s said he feels most comfortable.
Last spring, Harper addressed the idea of moving up in the lineup. His stance was clear: he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win, but leading off isn’t his preference.
“I mean, I haven’t been talked to yet,” Harper said at the time. “Obviously, I’m a three-hole hitter and I have been.
But whenever they tell me to hit two or four, I’ve done that in the past as you guys know. I wanna win, so I don’t care what it takes… I’ll take the extra at-bats, but I don’t want to hit leadoff.”
That’s the key tension here. The numbers - and Amaro’s argument - make a strong case.
But Harper’s comfort level and manager Rob Thomson’s preferences carry real weight. Thomson hasn’t shown much interest in batting Harper first, and it’s not just about tradition.
It’s about roles, rhythm, and how a lineup flows over 162 games.
The Math Behind the Move
Still, the numbers don’t lie. Analyst Ryan M. Spaeder broke it down in a way that’s tough to ignore: in the 2024 season, MLB leadoff hitters had 10,711 plate appearances with the chance to either tie the game or take the lead - nearly a thousand more than hitters in the three-hole.
That’s not a small gap. That’s a mountain of opportunity.
“The leadoff spot creates more opportunities to influence the outcome,” Spaeder noted. “Whether early in the game, late in the game, or in high-leverage moments… you’re ensuring [your best player] receives the maximum number of chances to make a difference.”
If you’re building a lineup with the goal of putting your best bat in the biggest moments, it’s hard to argue against giving Harper those extra cracks at the plate. He’s not just a power hitter - he’s an on-base machine with a keen eye and the ability to change a game with one swing. And with Turner and Schwarber following him, it’s not like he’d be left unprotected.
What’s Next?
This isn’t the first time the Phillies have toyed with lineup adjustments, and it won’t be the last. Last season, Thomson moved Schwarber out of the leadoff spot in favor of Trea Turner - a move that had its ups and downs.
But the idea of Harper leading off is a different kind of gamble. It’s not about finding a spark; it’s about maximizing firepower.
Amaro made it clear that if he were managing, he’d be having that conversation with Harper. Not just to pitch the idea, but to get him to buy in.
“It’s great for him,” Amaro said. “He’s going to get more and more at-bats, great protection from Turner… and he’s going to get a ton of opportunities to really put up the kind of numbers he wants to put up and be an elite player.”
That’s the big picture. You’re not just shifting a name on a lineup card - you’re potentially unlocking a more efficient, more dangerous version of the Phillies’ offense.
The Bottom Line
Will it happen? Probably not - at least not right away.
Harper’s been clear about his preferences, and Thomson hasn’t shown much interest in flipping the script. But the conversation is worth having, especially for a team with championship aspirations and a roster built to win now.
Sometimes, the best move is the one that challenges convention. And if the Phillies ever decide to go that route, don’t be surprised if Bryce Harper - leadoff hitter - ends up being the spark that lights the fuse.