CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper arrived at Spring Training Sunday, looking like he had about 0% body fat and might be primed for a great 2026 season for the Phillies.
However, before the page could be turned to 2026, Harper was asked about the awkward way that the 2025 calendar concluded for the Phillies.
In his season-end press conference in October, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was asked about Harper's 2025, and gave a very honest answer.
"I guess we'll find out if he becomes elite (again) or he continues to be good," Dombrowski said. "Can he rise to the next level? I don't really know the answer. He's the one that will dictate that more than anything else.
"I don't think he's content with the year that he had. It wasn't a bad year, but when I think of Bryce Harper, you think elite. You think one of the top 10 players in baseball. I don't think he fit into that category. Very good player, but I have no idea. I've seen guys his age ... level off, and I've seen guys rise again. We'll see what happens."
By his own standards, Bryce Harper had a down season. Will that become a trend? Dave Dombrowski says it’s up to Harper.
“I guess we will find out if he becomes elite, or if he continues to be good.”
(via @GraceDelPizzo) pic.twitter.com/8hjsp5yJRC
The comments — while not inaccurate — created something of a storm, and even led to trade speculation that Dombrowski quickly shut down. Nonetheless, a frustrated Harper spoke openly to Matt Gelb of The Athletic in late October and let off some steam.
Sunday, he spoke for the first time publicly since then, and still seemed to be a bit perturbed by the way things were handled.
Bryce Harper on “not elite” shirt and Dave Dombrowski’s comments
(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/9GgCf4WVyS
Specifically, Harper was asked if Dombrowski's comments will motivate him heading into the 2026 season.
"Not really, I don't get motivated by that kind of stuff," Harper said. "For me, it was kind of wild, the whole situation of that happening. I think the big thing for me was when we first met with this organization, it was 'hey, you know we're gonna always keep things in house, and we expect you to do the same thing.' So when that didn't happen, it kinda took me for a run a little bit.
"I don't know, it's part of it, I guess," Harper continued. "It was kind of a wild situation that even happening. Obviously, I didn't have the year that I wanted. Obviously, I didn't have the postseason that I wanted. My numbers weren't where they needed to be. I know that. 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 kinda wild to me still."
If Harper doesn't get motivated by comments like that, why did he post a TikTok in December wearing a shirt that said "not elite" while he took batting practice?
"Nah, I mean, they made the shirts for me and I wore 'em," Harper said. "If they're gonna make 'em, I'm gonna wear 'em."
Of course, there are plenty of shirts that could be made by whoever "they" are that Harper wouldn't wear. He was under no obligation to wear the "not elite" shirt, and certainly knew that posting it on social media would get a reaction.
Bryce Harper’s new shirt via his TikTok: “Not elite.” pic.twitter.com/51wbLrgdXF
Ultimately, Harper seems most focused on making sure things stay in house moving forward.
"I just think the conclusion is, obviously, we keep things in house. And that's just how it's always been," Harper said. "And in that moment, it just didn't happen. I think my locker is always open for them to come and talk to me and vice versa. It is what it is right now."
Harper also confirmed that he has spoken with Dombrowski since the comments blew up.
So is it water under the bridge at this point?
"Yeah," Harper said after shrugging his shoulders.
