Bryce Harper Addresses Dave Dombrowski’s ‘Wild’ Comments
Bryce Harper recently addressed the comments made by Philadelphia Phillies President Dave Dombrowski regarding his performance last season. Harper described Dombrowski’s remarks as “wild,” indicating his surprise that such assessments were made publicly.
Bryce Harper on Dombrowski’s Wild Comments
During a media session at the Phillies’ training camp in Clearwater on February 15, 2026, Harper reflected on Dombrowski’s comments from last October. Dombrowski had questioned Harper’s status as an “elite” player after a season that saw him post an .844 OPS, the lowest of his career since 2016. Harper responded, stating, “I don’t get motivated by that kind of stuff” and emphasized that the assessment felt unexpected.
Dombrowski’s Assessment
Dave Dombrowski had highlighted that Harper’s 2025 performance did not meet expectations, especially for a player regarded as one of the top talents in baseball. His direct comments included: “Again, it wasn’t a bad year. But when I think of Bryce Harper, you think elite.” Dombrowski’s assertion raised eyebrows, as Harper had recently struggled and faced challenges, including a wrist injury that kept him out for about a month.
Harper’s Stats and Future Outlook
In the previous season, Harper hit 27 home runs and recorded 75 RBIs over 580 plate appearances. Despite these numbers, he acknowledged that his overall performance fell short of his own expectations. Harper stated, “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.”
Career Overview
Bryce Harper, now 33, has had an illustrious career in Major League Baseball, boasting a .280 batting average, 363 home runs, and a .905 OPS over 14 seasons. He spent seven seasons with the Washington Nationals before joining the Philadelphia Phillies.
Conclusion
As Harper prepares for the upcoming season, he remains focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on external critiques. The two-time MVP aims to regain his elite status while navigating the complexities of team dynamics and public expectations.
