Dombrowski Confirms: Bryce Harper Won’t Be Traded
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, has reaffirmed that Bryce Harper will not be traded. This statement comes amidst ongoing speculation about Harper’s future with the team.
Dombrowski’s Commitment to Harper
In a recent interview, Dombrowski emphasized Harper’s significance to the franchise. “Bryce Harper’s not getting traded,” he asserted. “He’s a great player. He’s a future Hall of Famer.” This declaration aims to quell any rumors regarding Harper’s potential departure from the team.
Harper’s Feelings on Trade Speculation
Harper expressed his discomfort with the trade discussions. He conveyed his frustrations to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, feeling confused and upset by the rumors. Harper stated, “I have given my all to Philly from the start. Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this.”
Season Performance and Concerns
During the 2025 season, Harper had 580 plate appearances, posting a batting average of .261 with 27 home runs. His production yielded a 131 wRC+, which is among his lowest performances in his 14-year career. Despite this, Harper’s numbers remain impressive compared to many league players.
- Batting Average: .261
- Home Runs: 27
- wRC+: 131 (fifth-lowest of career)
- fWAR: 3.5 (tied for 45th among qualified batters)
Despite some lingering concerns about his performance, Dombrowski clarified that he viewed his comments about Harper’s season as complimentary. Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, noted that lineup protection for Harper could improve in the upcoming season, as he faced challenges this year due to a lack of pitches in the strike zone. In 2026, Boras hopes Harper will see an enhancement in his batting opportunities.
The Future Outlook
As part of a 13-year, $330 million contract, Harper is set to earn $144 million over the next six seasons. Given his age of 33, there are natural concerns regarding player performance in their thirties. However, Dombrowski remains optimistic about Harper’s potential moving forward.
While trade rumors swirl, Harper maintains a full no-trade clause, which adds further complexity to discussions about his future. With the Phillies positioned in a win-now mode, Harper’s role is crucial, especially considering potential changes in the lineup with other key players possibly entering free agency.
The Phillies and their fans are hopeful that Harper will continue to contribute significantly to the team’s success in the coming seasons. As Dombrowski reaffirmed, the organization recognizes Harper as a cornerstone player and remains committed to having him in Philadelphia for the long haul.
