Bryce Harper unfazed by Dombrowski's 'not elite' comments

The Phillies star says he's focused on bouncing back in 2026 after an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Bryce Harper says he was surprised when Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski commented that Harper did not have an 'elite' season in 2025, but the star outfielder insists he is not motivated by such remarks. Harper acknowledged his numbers were down last year due to a wrist injury, but he is looking forward to the upcoming season and representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

Harper is a key part of the Phillies' lineup, and the team's success hinges on him returning to his All-Star form. Dombrowski's comments about Harper's performance raised eyebrows, but the player says he is focused on the future and not dwelling on the past.

The details

Harper finished the 2025 season with a 3.1 WAR, the second-lowest total of his Phillies tenure. He hit .251/.357/.487 with an .844 OPS, which ranked 11th in the National League. Harper said he felt no pain upon returning from the injured list on June 30, but the lack of a strong cleanup hitter behind him may have impacted his production. Manager Rob Thomson is considering shuffling the top of the lineup again, though Harper says the four-spot issue remains regardless of where he hits.

  • Harper arrived at Phillies camp on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Position players are due to report on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Dombrowski made his 'not elite' comments about Harper in October 2025.
  • Harper posted a TikTok wearing a 'not elite' shirt in December 2025.

The players

Bryce Harper

A star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies who is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2025 season.

Dave Dombrowski

The president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies who made comments about Harper not having an 'elite' season in 2025.

Rob Thomson

The manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who is considering shuffling the top of the lineup again for the 2026 season.

Alec Bohm

A Phillies player who was the leading candidate to hit cleanup again in 2026, though he struggled in that role in 2025.

Aidan Miller

A young Phillies player whose locker is next to Harper's in the Phillies' spring training clubhouse.

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What they’re saying

“I don't get motivated by that kind of stuff. For me, it was wild — the whole situation happening. The big thing for me was, when we first met with this organization, it was, 'Hey, we're always going to keep things in-house, and we expect you to do the same thing.' So, when that didn't happen, it kind of took me for a run a little bit.”

— Bryce Harper (New York Times)

“Obviously, I didn't have the year I wanted. Obviously, I didn't have the postseason I wanted. My numbers weren't where they needed to be. I know that. And I don't need to be motivated to be great in my career or anything else. That's just not a motivating factor for me. For Dave to come out and say those things, it's kind of wild.”

— Bryce Harper (New York Times)

“I mean, they made the shirts for me, and I wore them. If they're going to make them, I'm going to wear them.”

— Bryce Harper (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.