**Bryce Harper Responds to Criticism from Phillies’ President**
Bryce Harper appears to have taken issue with comments made by Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, following the team’s exit from the postseason. After the Phillies were eliminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dombrowski remarked that Harper “didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past.”
While Dombrowski’s assessment wasn’t entirely unfounded—Harper posted a .261 batting average and an .844 OPS in 2025, both below his career norms—Harper’s past MVP seasons saw him exceed .300 with an OPS over 1.000.
Shortly after Dombrowski’s remarks, Harper expressed his dissatisfaction, and the two reportedly had a private discussion about the comments. However, it seems Harper is still affected by the critique. In a recent TikTok video filmed in a batting cage, he wore a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “NOT ELITE.”
Harper, who turned 33 just a week after the Phillies’ postseason exit, has been a consistent presence in October baseball this decade, yet the team has struggled to advance further in the playoffs. Dombrowski acknowledged Harper’s talent, stating he is “still an All-Star caliber player,” but raised questions about whether Harper could return to elite status.
Dombrowski drew comparisons to Freddie Freeman, noting that while Freeman remains a strong player, he may not be at the same elite level as before. “Can Bryce rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer,” Dombrowski said. He emphasized that Harper’s performance will ultimately determine his status, adding that he doesn’t believe Harper is satisfied with his recent season.
In 2025, Harper played 132 games but faced a wrist injury that landed him on the injured list. He signed a lucrative 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, and fans are eager to see if he can reclaim his elite status in the coming years.
**FAQ**
**Q: What did Dave Dombrowski say about Bryce Harper’s performance?**
A: Dombrowski stated that Harper did not have an elite season in 2025, noting his lower batting average and OPS compared to his career averages.
