Nationals GM: Harper, Werth could swap positions next season

Bryce Harper spent the last two seasons as the primary left fielder for the Washington Nationals, but the talented 22-year-old may find himself on the opposite side of the outfield next season.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo indicated Wednesday at the winter meetings that Harper may switch positions next season with Jayson Werth, the 35-year-old veteran who's logged more innings in right field since 2011 than all but seven players.

Defensive metrics suggest Harper's defense in left field over the last three seasons has been a tick better than league average - he's accumulated five defensive runs saved while posting a 0.1 UZR/150 since debuting in 2012 - but the position doesn't allow him to take full advantage of his tremendous arm strength.

Werth has proven himself a substandard defender in right field over the last three seasons, and his arm strength pales in comparison to Harper's. However, Werth hasn't logged a single inning in left field since 2009, when he started three games at the position for the Philadelphia Phillies.