Dave Dombrowski commented on several topics during the Philadelphia Phillies' end-of-season press conference, including his evaluation of Bryce Harper's 2025 season.
"[Bryce] did not have an elite season like he has had in the past. Can he rise to that level again? I don't really know that answer,” Dombrowski said. “He's the one that will really dictate that more than anything else is what it comes down to. I don't think he's content with the year that he had, and again, it wasn't a bad year. I have seen guys his age level off, or I've seen guys rise again. So, we'll see what happens."
Dombrowski's comment has had many interpretations, ranging from possible motivation for Harper to have a better season in 2026 to being misconstrued as the Phillies being open to trading the two-time National League MVP.
Dave Dombrowski denies Phillies are trying to trade Bryce Harper
Speaking on the Foul Territory podcast on Thursday, Dombrowski clarified his comments from the press conference in his previous assessment of Harper's season.
"They asked me what type of year do you think [Bryce Harper] had, and I said he had a very good year,” Dowbrowski said. “I don't think he had an elite year. When I think of Bryce Harper, it's a compliment. Now I read 'the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper,' that couldn't be further from the truth."
"I've been reading that the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper. That couldn't be further from the truth."
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 23, 2025
Dave Dombrowski says Bryce Harper is an elite talent, and his comments weren't meant to be criticism. pic.twitter.com/HMJY6TjPsv
Dombrowski continued his praise of Harper on the podcast.
"I'll take my chances with Bryce more than most because Bryce is an elite talent, he's a very talented individual, and he's driven,” Dombrowski said. “So I think it's a shame where this has gone because it wasn't meant to be a criticism. When you talk about Bryce and there's a few other guys, when they aren't in the MVP consideration, it's probably [because they did] not [have] as good a year as they've had other times."
Harper finished with an .844 OPS, which is still a very solid number. However, it was his lowest since 2016. Many of his numbers in 2025 were lower compared to last season. He missed multiple weeks in June on the IL with right wrist inflammation.
The 33-year-old will be motivated to have a better year in 2026. It is debatable whether Harper is on the decline. However, Phillies fans can be assured of two things: that he will be motivated to have a better season in 2026 and that he will remain with the Phillies.