Dave Dombrowski reveals Bryce Harper was key to Phillies trading for Luis Arraez

The Philadelphia Phillies didn't land the best player, nor the biggest name at the MLB trade deadline. They also didn't swing a stunning blockbuster deal for osmone like Adley Rutschman or Tarik Skubal.

But they did acquire Luis Arraez in a very interesting addition to the lineup. The main reason why these additions were so interesting is the defensive fit. His addition forced Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, and Alec Bohm to change positions.

Jayson Stark of The Athletic shared a comment from Dave Dombrowski that revealed that the only reason Arraez is now with the Phillies is thanks to Harper. The reason why is simple: Harper was willing to change positions; otherwise, this deal might not have happened.

How Bryce Harper helped land Luis Arraez in Philly

"It started with Bryce Harper," Dombrowski said of the bold Arraez trade. Stark noted that, "But Harper opened the door to the Arraez trade by telling Dombrowski multiple times he'd make that move, from first base to right field, if they needed him to."

Well, it wasn't to acquire a first baseman, but rather a new second baseman. But the shift for Harper was all the same.

By adding Arraez, Harper would have to move from first base to the outfield, back where he played the majority of his MLB career.

It was a bold and risky switch, but a necessary one for the Phillies to add Arraez and his incredibly useful bat to this lineup.

Because Harper was on board with the change, the Phillies had reason to make this move. Dombrowski would not have agreed to this trade with the San Francisco Giants if it weren't for Harper being okay with the position change.

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In turn, thanks to Harper, the MVP and franchise legend being willing to change positions, Stott and Bohm didn't really have much reason to nix a trade due to not wanting to move positions.

If Harper was willing to change positions as one of the game's biggest superstars, could Stott or Bohm justify nixing a deal for such a reason?

While Harper didn't negotiate this trade for the Phillies, he's the main reason why Dombrowski had the confidence to pull off such a risky move.

The Phillies made one trade, but saw four positions receive new full-time starters. It's a bold set of changes for the Phillies, and it's gone very well so far. And it's only happened thanks to Harper's willingness to move back to the outfield.

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