At his end-of-season press conference, Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski made pointed remarks about the team’s star first baseman, Bryce Harper — comments that quickly fueled speculation about internal tension and sparked a wave of rumors and reactions from one MLB insider.
Dombrowski’s Comments Fuel Bryce Harper Trade Speculation
Harper’s Time in Philly
Bryce Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies in 2019, with the contract running through the 2031 season, with the expectation that Harper would help bring the Phillies over the top and win their first championship since 2008. It has yet to happen. The Phillies reached the World Series in 2022, losing to the Houston Astros in six games, and have taken steps back since then.
“He’s still a quality player,” Dombrowski said. “He’s still an All-Star-caliber player. He didn’t have an elite season like he’s had in the past. And I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good.”
“When I think of Bryce Harper, you think elite, right? You think one of the top-10 players in baseball, and I don’t think it fits into that category. But, again, very good player.” Dombrowski added.
Issues in Philly
MLB insider Joel Sherman of the New York Post went on his weekly podcast, “The Pinstripe Post,” talking about the New York Yankees’ offseason, and brought up the idea that the Phillies could trade Bryce Harper this offseason.
“Would I be 100% shocked if Bryce Harper got traded this offseason? No,” Sherman said.
“Would I be 100% shocked if Bryce Harper got traded this offseason? No.”
Pinstripe Post with @joelsherman1 discussing if Harper to the Yankees is a reality
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On the latest episode of the podcast, Joel Sherman noted that there appears to be a sense of resentment from Harper’s side. The superstar reportedly feels he’s underpaid relative to his value and impact. That frustration, according to Sherman, could be creating tension between Harper and the Phillies’ front office, especially as the team faces another pivotal offseason.
Harper’s Future
It’s not hard to imagine teams like the Yankees monitoring the situation closely, depending on how the rest of the offseason unfolds. If the Yankees strike out on other big names, Harper could become an intriguing target. Despite a slight dip in his 2025 production, Harper’s track record suggests he’s poised for a bounce-back year in 2026, particularly if he enters the season fully healthy.
That said, a Bryce Harper trade still feels unlikely—at least this winter. The Phillies remain committed to competing, but a Harper trade would at least make financial and roster sense. The organization is likely to prioritize re-signing Kyle Schwarber, a move that will require a significant financial commitment. At the same time, there’s a growing belief that the Phillies might look to retool their core, given their recent postseason shortcomings.
Main Photo Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
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