Bryce Harper is still haunted by comments Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made in October that questioned the outfielder’s ability to reach another level of stardom.
“He hasn’t had an elite season like he has in the past,” Dombrowski said at the time. “I guess we’ll just know if he becomes elite or if he continues to be good…can he get to the next level again? I really don’t know the answer to that. He’s the one who can best determine that.”
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Harper made the remarks to reporters during spring training before the season began.
“It’s still crazy to me that Dave said those words,” Harper said.
Harper also said he didn’t have the year or numbers he wanted during the regular season and playoffs. He had 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, a .261 batting average and an .844 OPS last season. His numbers were down compared to his previous seasons with the Phillies, and he was limited to 132 games after a wrist injury.
Despite his performance, the 33-year-old was still surprised by Dombrowski’s comments, as the organization’s standard is to keep everything in-house.
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This isn’t the first time Harper has responded to Dombrowski’s comments. In November, he said he was uncomfortable and hurt by the possibility of trade speculation. In December, he posted a photo on TikTok of himself wearing a shirt that said “Not Elite” while swinging.
After Dombrowski tried to walk back his comments on the “Filthy Territory” podcast, Harper put on the shirt and said the two had a good conversation.
With Opening Day approaching and Harper still having six years left on his contract, it appears Harper and Dombrowski still have hurdles to mend.
