The Philadelphia Phillies head into the 2026 season under mounting pressure after aggressive roster building in recent years has yielded only one World Series appearance. Among those feeling the heat is first baseman Bryce Harper, who could be at the center of the spotlight.
Harper turned in another productive campaign in 2025, batting .267 with 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, and an .844 OPS. Still, he recently drew unexpected criticism from team president Dave Dombrowski, who suggested Harper was not “elite” last season — a comment that quickly grabbed attention across the baseball world.
Since debuting as a 19-year-old star with the Washington Nationals in 2012, Harper has built a résumé that includes a National League Rookie of the Year Award, eight All-Star nods, four Silver Sluggers, and two MVP trophies. Even if his 2025 numbers didn’t match his peak seasons, they still reflected high-level production.
Harper initially labeled Dombrowski’s remarks as “wild,” but has tried to shift his focus toward preparing for 2026. Recently, he pushed back again, downplaying outside opinions and emphasizing that criticism from media markets like Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., won’t alter his career path.
Given Harper’s 13-year, $330 million contract signed in 2019, his long-term future in Philadelphia once seemed unquestioned. However, if he stumbles early this season, speculation could intensify about whether Dombrowski — known for bold moves — might explore drastic options. While Harper may no longer be a frontrunner for MVP honors, he remains one of the league’s premier hitters, even as questions swirl about whether the Phillies’ championship window is narrowing.
