The relationship between the Philadelphia Phillies and their franchise star Bryce Harper has been deteriorating this offseason, with GM Dave Dombrowski seemingly chipping away at Harper’s trade value day by day. As a result, Harper could eventually reach a breaking point and request a trade.
Mark Powell of Fansided suggests that if that happens, the Phillies might look to make a deal with their in-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates, targeting MLB’s top prospect Konnor Griffin. While such a trade seems unlikely, it could address major needs for both teams.
“Bryce Harper isn’t considered elite—at least by Dave Dombrowski,” Powell wrote. “The Phillies’ president of baseball operations spent much of the offseason undermining one of his best players’ value. Harper publicly called out Dombrowski, and Phillies fans quickly sided with their star, not the front office. A move to Pittsburgh would be unusual for Harper, but the Pirates lack offensive firepower. Harper could fill a corner outfield or first base role, both areas Pittsburgh needs despite adding Ryan O’Hearn and trading for Jhostynxon Garcia.”
While the Phillies would part ways with their marquee player, they’d gain a generational talent in Griffin. This spring, Griffin has posted a slash line of .214/.267/.857/.1.124 with three hits—all home runs—for six RBI. In 2025, he climbed from Low-A to Double-A, finishing the season with a .333/.415/.527/.941 line, 23 doubles, 21 home runs, 94 RBI, and 65 stolen bases across 122 games.
Additionally, Griffin’s contract could help Philadelphia reduce payroll. His latest deal projects a 10-year, $130 million commitment, even if the Phillies wanted to negotiate an extension this early.
However, Powell notes that the Pirates would likely reject the idea, citing Harper’s large contract and the prospect of giving up the game’s top prospect to a nearby rival. If Philadelphia can navigate those obstacles, though, it could be a shocking move for fans—painful, but potentially worthwhile.