Comments made last week by Philadelphia Phillies general manager Dave Dombrowski about star Bryce Harper have sparked trade rumors among fans and media alike — though there’s little concrete evidence behind the speculation.
In case you missed it, here’s what Dombrowski said:
While there was nothing misleading or controversial in Dombrowski’s comments about Harper, and he made no indication whatsoever that the superstar’s time in Philadelphia might be ending, that didn’t stop fans and media from twisting his words into trade speculation.
In fact, The New York Post’s Joel Sherman went as far as to imagine a potential Harper–New York Yankees pairing, fueling an already overblown rumor mill.
Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, quickly stepped in to shut down the chatter, making it clear that Dombrowski and the Phillies’ front office have zero intention of trading Harper — just in case anyone still needed convincing (though, judging by fan reactions, maybe they did).
Harper’s 13-year, $330 million deal, signed back in 2019, keeps him under contract with the Phillies through 2031, and with a full no-trade clause, he has complete control over his future — meaning no deal can happen without his approval.
Although Harper’s numbers dipped slightly in 2025 — likely due in part to nagging injuries — there’s little reason to doubt that the two-time NL MVP and generational superstar will bounce back in 2026 and remain one of the league’s most feared hitters.
This past season, Harper batted .261 with an .844 OPS, recording 131 hits, 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 72 runs scored across 132 games.
Philadelphia’s campaign came to a frustrating end when the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated them in four games in the NLDS, marking another postseason heartbreak for the club.
At this point in his illustrious career, Harper has earned nearly every accolade imaginable — except for the one that still eludes him: a World Series championship.