Harper’s Lighthearted Retort to Dombrowski’s Comments
Manager Dave Dombrowski might have some doubts about Bryce Harper’s elite status, yet it’s tough to dispute that Harper knows how to stir the pot. Just the other day, he posted a TikTok video of himself taking batting practice. Oh, and he wore a shirt that said “Not Elite.” Seemed like a little jab at Dombrowski, don’t you think?
This playful dig reflected words Dombrowski had previously shared, where he mentioned that Harper “didn’t have the elite season he’s had in the past” following the Phillies’ playoff exit in October.
Fans certainly picked up on Harper’s message. One remarked, “The ‘non-elites’ need the killer Bryce from 2012-19 back as much as I need air.” It’s funny how passionate some people are about baseball, right?
Another user added, “The ‘not elite’ guy is angry… MVP.” There seems to be a lot of love for the fired-up Harper, considering one fan exclaimed, “I love angry Bryce Harper. LFG 2026!”
In 2025, Harper played 132 games for the Phillies, batting .261 with 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, and an .844 OPS. Those numbers, while respectable, showed a drop compared to his past performances, likely due in part to a wrist injury that hindered his play.
During a press conference at the end of the season, Dombrowski raised concerns about whether Harper could reclaim that “elite” form. He noted, “He’s still a quality player, an All-Star, but he didn’t have the elite seasons that we’ve seen before.” Dombrowski compared Harper to Freddie Freeman, stating that while both are talented, they might not be at their previous peak.
“I can’t claim to have the answer,” Dombrowski admitted. “It’s really up to him.” It’s clear he thinks Harper expects more from himself too. Dombrowski recognized that Harper’s 2025 season was solid but not what you’d typically expect from a top-tier player.
Harper didn’t seem too thrilled about the speculation regarding his contributions or the trade rumors that followed Dombrowski’s comments. He mentioned feeling “disappointed” about such doubts, indicating it “really hurt” him.
Following the discussions, the two met to sort things out. Despite finishing strong with a 96-66 record and winning the National League East for the second straight year, the Phillies fell short again in the Division Series against the Dodgers, who went on to become world champions. Harper still has six years left on his contract, so the future holds plenty of potential for him and the team.
