Harper Still Surprised by Dombrowski’s Public Words on His Play

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper spoke out on Sunday about comments made by team president Dave Dombrowski last October. Harper said he found it surprising that Dombrowski publicly questioned if the two-time National League MVP is still an elite player. The exchange came as the Phillies kicked off spring training for the 2026 season in Clearwater, Florida.

Background

Bryce Harper has been a key part of the Phillies lineup since signing a 13-year, $330 million contract before the 2019 season. Now in his eighth year of that deal, Harper turned 33 last October. He remains one of the team's top hitters and leaders on the field.

Last season, in 2025, the Phillies made the playoffs but fell short of their goal to win the World Series. Harper played through a right wrist injury that kept him out for a month. Despite that, he finished with solid numbers: a .285 batting average, 30 home runs, 87 RBIs, and an .898 on-base plus slugging percentage, or OPS. His OPS ranked 22nd among qualified players in baseball.

After the playoff loss, Dombrowski held a news conference to review the season. Reporters asked about Harper's performance and if it marked the start of a downward trend. Dombrowski called Harper a quality All-Star caliber player but said he did not have an elite season like in past years. He compared Harper to players like Freddie Freeman, noting that even great hitters can have good but not top-tier years as they age.

Dombrowski later clarified his words on a podcast. He stressed that Harper is one of the best players in baseball and that his comments were not meant as criticism. Rumors even started about trading Harper, but Dombrowski shut those down right away. Harper has a full no-trade clause in his contract, giving him control over any potential moves.

The Phillies have high hopes for 2026. They aim to build on recent deep playoff runs and finally claim a championship. Harper's role stays central to those plans.

Key Details

Harper addressed the comments for the first time publicly on Sunday. He said the remarks caught him off guard because the team usually handles such talks privately.

"It's kind of wild to me still," Harper said.

His agent, Scott Boras, also weighed in earlier this week. Boras pointed out that Harper saw fewer pitches in the strike zone than almost anyone else last season—only 43% of pitches faced. That was the lowest rate among 532 players who saw at least 200 pitches. Boras said more pitches to hit would show Harper's true talent, as his metrics prove he ranks among the top players.

Harper's 2025 stats showed some drop from his peak years. His OPS of .814 was his lowest since 2016. His OPS plus, which adjusts for ballpark and league, hit 129—his lowest since 2019. Still, those numbers put him well above average. Expected metrics, like those based on exit velocity and launch angle, were mostly better than in 2024.

Dombrowski's Full View

In his original response last October, Dombrowski said Harper had a very good year but not elite. He noted that only about eight to ten players reach that elite level each season, often MVP contenders. Dombrowski wondered if Harper could return to that tier or level off, as some players do around his age. He made clear it was not a bad season, just not Harper's usual standard.

On the podcast, Dombrowski repeated that Harper thinks elite when fans picture him. He added that Harper was not happy with his own play and has the drive to improve. Trade talk, Dombrowski said, had taken on a life of its own with no basis in fact.

Harper has dealt with injuries in recent years, including the wrist issue last season. At 33, he is not old by baseball standards, but maintaining peak performance gets harder. Many stars have bounced back strong after similar dips.

What This Means

The back-and-forth highlights tensions inside a team chasing a title. Public comments like Dombrowski's are rare in baseball, where player evaluations often stay behind closed doors. Harper's surprise points to a preference for private feedback, even if meant to motivate.

For the Phillies, Harper's health and production remain vital. His contract runs five more years after this one. No extension talks have surfaced publicly, but his future with the team looks secure based on Dombrowski's statements. The organization values Harper as a leader and hitter.

Spring training offers a chance to move past this. Players report and start workouts, focusing on the season ahead. Harper joins teammates like Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber in preparing for Opening Day. The Phillies face pressure to deliver after several promising but unfulfilled postseasons.

Fans watch closely. Harper's response shows he takes his standing seriously. If he returns to elite form, it could quiet any doubts and boost the team's chances. Dombrowski's words might serve as fuel for Harper to prove them wrong.

Last season's playoff exit left questions about the lineup's consistency. Harper's numbers were good, but the team needs more from its stars in big moments. With better health and pitch selection, as Boras noted, Harper could lead a stronger offense.

The episode also shows how one comment can spark wide discussion. Media coverage spread quickly, from trade rumors to debates on Harper's decline. Both sides clarified, but it lingers into camp.

As training progresses, eyes stay on Harper. His early performance will signal if last year was a blip or a shift. The Phillies plan around him as a core piece for their World Series push.