Offseason comments by Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski threw fans through a whirlwind all winter. First baseman Bryce Harper was obviously taken aback by Dombrowski questioning whether he can still be elite or not, and it filled the offseason with countless questions and tension between the face of the franchise and the head of its front office. That offseason-long "feud" has seemingly come to an end after Harper divulged that the two sides have reconciled.
Harper sat down with 94WIP on Tuesday morning in Clearwater, Florida, and covered the topic that has been endlessly gnawing at Phillies fans. He dove into some details regarding where Dombrowski and Harper stand now and that they're both looking to move past this and focus on the upcoming regular season.
Bryce Harper and Dave Dombrowski have resolved their differences ahead of Phillies' season
Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer also sat down with Phillies managing partner John Middleton and stated that Dombrowski, Harper, and Phillies manager Rob Thomson all talked it out after Harper's remarks entering camp (subscription required). Middleton said that they agreed that everything is fine and he's confident that this is behind them.
Harper confirmed that in his interview with Joe DeCamara of 94WIP.
“Yeah, we communicated, and I think it's in the past," Harper said. "Just trying to move on and get ready for the season.”
The next question was one that everyone wanted to know the answer to, whether Harper felt disrespected by Dombrowski. It wasn't so much the comment as much as it was the method of delivery. It certainly rubbed Harper the wrong way.
“No," Harper said about whether he felt disrespected. " I mean, it was just the notion, right? Of coming out and talking to the media, and like I said before, I talked about it a million times, obviously, and just happening out in the open.”
Bryce Harper on the Dave Dombrowski "not elite" comments: "Yeah we communicated and I think it's in the past and just trying to move on and get ready for the season."
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) February 24, 2026
Harper adds he did not feel disrespected, but was bothered that Dombrowski made those comments publicly. pic.twitter.com/16icFNme9i
As for moving forward, Phillies fans shouldn't expect a repeat of this nonsense drama. At least that's what Harper expects.
“I don't think so. I think Dave understands …," Harper said about whether he expects this to happen again. "I think me and Dave are on the same page, and obviously we're just looking forward to getting into the season and making new headlines.”
During the interview, Harper was also asked about the supposed Rhys Hoskins rumor. This latest rumor only added fuel to the fire when it came to the difference that Harper and Dombrowski shared. Harper denied that there was any talk between him and the Phillies' brass regarding bringing Hoskins back to Philadelphia. He appears to have full faith and understanding in what the Phillies are doing.
Harper is under contract for the next six years, keeping him in Philadelphia quite possibly until the end of his playing career. The Phillies are better with Harper. The continued transparency and leadership, paired with the backing of the front office, is what's best for the future.