Phillies news: Ex-GM predicts Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner's lineup position

As opening day inches closer, the Philadelphia Phillies' three best hitters: Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner, prepare to lead their team to success once again.

In 2025, it was Trea Turner that hit leadoff, followed by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper respectively.

In 2026, former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. thinks manager Rob Thomson may choose to swap Schwarber and Harper's spots in the lineup. Amaro Jr. explained his thoughts on Monday's episode of the "WIP Morning Show."

"I would probably have Harper hit two and Schwarber hit three, if you're going to with Turner at one," Amaro Jr. said (Timestamp: 5:56). "Because then you protect Harper in a different way than he was protected last year. Sort of flip-flop those two guys, and have (Alec) Bohm hit in the four-hole." "I think this is what Rob Thomson's going to do. I do think so. Now, I could be wrong. Listen, he's going to do whatever he thinks is best for the team. It's some combination of those three guys at the top of the lineup. I can assure you of that."

On Feb. 2, MLB.com's Todd Zolecki claimed batting Bryce Harper first in the lineup could benefit the Phillies' offense greatly, although he did go on to admit such a possibility was unlikely.

"Shohei Ohtani last season had 680 plate appearances, hitting lead off," Zolecki said, via 'The Phillies Show' (Timestamp: 9:07). "Mike Trout, when he was healthy and playing a lot, he was starting to hit leadoff a lot for the Angels. Every stop you drop in the lineup, is about 17 fewer plate appearances over the course of the season. "So, hypothetically, you move Bryce Harper up from third to first, he hits 34 more times in 2026 than he would if he hits third. That's why I would love to see it. I don't think (Phillies manager) Rob Thomson is necessarily going to push him into it. But I love that idea of having Harper hit first." Bryce Harper in action as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Miami Marlins - Source: Getty

As the Phillies look to win a World Series title for the first time since 2008, fans will hope to see Harper continue leading his teammates by example.

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Edited by Raghav Mehta

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