This season, the Philadelphia Phillies endured another playoff disappointment, and the organization’s leadership has been held accountable. On Thursday, manager Rob Thomson and head of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski each conducted press conferences to discuss the team’s weaknesses and where they might aim to improve to avoid another premature exit next year. During his section, Dombrowski made it plain that he does not expect franchise superstar Bryce Harper to carry the team forward.
“He didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past,” Dombrowski said of Harper, as relayed by 94 WIP. “Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer. … When I think of Bryce Harper, you’re thinking elite, you’re thinking one of the top 10 players in baseball, and I don’t think it fit into that category.” Harper’s.261/.357/.487 numbers in his age-32 season were undoubtedly the lowest of his career. As a result, the Phillies may be questioning internally what kind of supporting cast Harper will require if the franchise hopes to see him win a World Series title.
The major issue is that, after signing Harper to a $330 million contract, the Phillies will pay him at least $23 million every season for the next six years. This places a considerable pressure on the team’s payroll due to a player who, in the executive’s opinion, may never play at an elite level again. Dombrowski left open the potential that Harper will regain the form that drew the Phillies to sign him as their franchise slugger. However, following a dismal season, it appears that Dombrowski has set lower expectations for the veteran.