Phillies' Harper Calls Team President's Criticism 'Wild'

Star player responds to comments about his declining performance

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper said he was taken aback by criticism from the team's President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski, who said in October that Harper was no longer 'elite.' Harper, a two-time MVP, said Dombrowski's comments were 'kind of wild' and that he doesn't get motivated by that type of criticism.

Why it matters

Harper is one of the highest-paid players in baseball, signed to a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies. His declining performance in recent seasons has raised questions about the team's long-term investment in him, making Dombrowski's public comments about Harper's elite status a sensitive issue.

The details

After the Phillies lost to the eventual champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, Dombrowski addressed Harper's future during an end-of-year press conference, saying 'He didn't have an elite season like he's had in the past. I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good.' Harper, who turned 33 during the offseason, hit 27 home runs last season with 75 RBIs and a .261 average - the fourth-lowest of his 14-year career.

  • Harper signed a 13-year, $330 million deal with the Phillies ahead of the 2019 season.
  • Dombrowski made his comments about Harper's elite status in October 2025 after the Phillies' postseason loss.
  • The full Phillies squad reports to spring training on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The Phillies open the regular season on March 26, 2026 against the Texas Rangers.

The players

Bryce Harper

A two-time MVP and star first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, signed to a 13-year, $330 million contract.

Dave Dombrowski

The President of Baseball Operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, who publicly criticized Harper's performance as no longer 'elite.'

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What they’re saying

“I don't get motivated by that kind of stuff. For me, it was kind of wild the whole situation of that happening … It was kind of a wild situation.”

— Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies First Baseman (Washington Times)

“[Harper]'s still a quality player. He's still an All-Star-caliber player. He didn't have an elite season like he's had in the past. I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good.”

— Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations, Philadelphia Phillies (Washington Times)

What’s next

The Phillies will be closely watching Harper's performance in spring training and the start of the 2026 season to see if he can regain his elite form.

The takeaway

This public spat between the Phillies' star player and team executive highlights the high-stakes nature of Harper's massive contract and the pressure on him to perform at an elite level. The team's long-term investment in Harper is now in question, creating tension that will be closely watched as the new season begins.