Dombrowski Remarks Ignite Harper Trade Speculation

A week after Phillies president Dave Dombrowski publicly wondered whether Bryce Harper could return to “elite” form, the remark ignited trade speculation and left Harper saying the comment felt uncomfortable and hurtful given his long-term commitment. Dombrowski later clarified he was not signaling a trade, called Harper a cornerstone and said he is “not getting traded.” Harper finished 2025 with a .844 OPS and 27 homers in 132 games, a season affected by right-wrist inflammation, and is on a 13-year, $330 million deal with no opt-out. The flare-up comes amid a tense offseason in which the Phillies must make major roster decisions on impending free agents J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez while Nick Castellanos is expected to depart. Realmuto remains a top priority who would command a costly contract (analysts have suggested roughly $60 million), Schwarber’s 56 homers in 2025 and power profile make a reunion appealing if payroll allows, and Suárez projects as the club’s No. 3 starter behind Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo. Team officials have tried to tamp down the controversy, but the episode underscores the sensitivity of public remarks as the Phillies prepare for 2026.