Dave Dombrowski might've provided some bulletin-board material for one of his own players.
When talking about Phillies star Bryce Harper during his end-of-season news conference Thursday, Dombrowski, Philadelphia 's president of baseball operations, expressed uncertainty as to whether the two-time MVP can become elite again.
Harper finished the 2025 campaign — which ended with the Phillies' loss to the Dodgers in the National League Division Series — with a .261 average and .844 OPS, which served as his worst marks since 2019 and 2016, respectively.
"I mean, in Bryce's case, of course he's still a quality player," Dombrowski told reporters. "He's still an All-Star-caliber player. He didn't have an elite season like he has had in the past, and I guess we only find out if he becomes elite [again] or he continues to be good."
Dombrowski cited Dodgers star Freddie Freeman (who hit .295 with a .869 OPS with 24 homers and 90 RBIs) as an example of someone who, despite still being an incredibly productive player, is "probably not to the same extent" the same elite version he once was.
Bryce Harper reacts after striking out during the Phillies' Oct. 6 game. Imagn Images
Dave Dombrowski is pictured before the Phillies' game against the Mets in June 2023. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
But Harper has still made All-Star Games in two of the last four seasons, finished sixth in the voting for National League MVP in 2024 and has continued to serve as the anchor of the Phillies' lineup — while also becoming their regular first baseman after shifting from the outfield following a Tommy John surgery in November 2022.
Harper, who turned 33 on Thursday, struggled during the Phillies' brief postseason run this year, too, managing just a .200 average and one extra-base hit across their four showdowns with the Dodgers.
He still has six years and approximately $153 million remaining on a 13-year deal, too, though the Phillies' lineup could look different next season with leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto both free agents.
"Can he rise to the next level again? I don't really know that answer," Dombrowski said. "And really, he's the one that will dictate that more than anything else, is what it comes down to. I don't think he's content with the year that he had, and again, it wasn't a bad year.
"But when I think of Bryce Harper, you're thinking elite, right? You're thinking one of the top-10 players in baseball, and I don't think it fit into that category. But again, very good player."
Bryce Harper flies out during the Phillies' Oct. 9 loss to the Dodgers. Getty Images
As a longtime executive, Dombrowski said he has seen players level off at this stage of his career.
He has also seen players "rise again."
"We'll see what happens," Dombrowski said."
