Bryce Harper Expresses Disappointment Following Phillies President’s Comments on Performance
PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper revealed he was “hurt” by recent remarks from team President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski questioning his ability to return to an elite level following a statistically down 2025 season. Teh comments sparked trade speculation surrounding the six-year, $330 million player, who also holds a no-trade clause.
Dombrowski, during his end-of-season press conference, described Harper as a “quality player” but noted his 2025 performance didn’t reach elite status, prompting questions about whether Harper “becomes elite or he continues to be good.”
“I have given my all to Philly from the start,” Harper told The Athletic on Saturday. “Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It’s all I heard in D.C. [with the Nationals]. I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable.”
Harper,33,posted an OPS of .844 in 2025, his lowest as 2016. He struggled in the NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 3-for-15 with no RBIs in a four-game loss. A wrist injury also sidelined him for a month during the regular season.
“It’s disappointing to hear me being questioned about my contribution to the team,” harper added to The Athletic.”Just really hurt by that notion as I love Philly so much.” He further emphasized his commitment, citing his willingness to change positions and return from injury ahead of schedule.
Dombrowski has since attempted to clarify his remarks, denying any intention to trade Harper. “That couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said on “Foul Territory” earlier this week. “We love him. We think he’s a great player. He’s a very significant part of our team. I’ve seen him have better years. I look for him to have better years.”
