Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper issued a robust response to hypothesis that he may be traded this offseason.
Why did the Bryce Harper commerce hypothesis start?
Harper’s identify has began to look in rumors after workforce president Dave Dombrowski questioned whether or not the eight-time All-Star can produce at an elite stage once more.
“I do not assume … I imply in Bryce’s case, after all, he is nonetheless a top quality participant. He is nonetheless a All-Star-caliber participant,” Dombrowski mentioned. “He did not have an elite season like he has had prior to now. And I assume we solely discover out if he turns into the elite or he continues to be good.”
For Harper, every little thing stemming from these feedback has been a supply of frustration and damage.
“I’ve given my all to Philly from the beginning,” Harper informed Matt Gelb The Athletic on Saturday. “Now there’s commerce discuss? I made each effort to keep away from this. It’s all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me really feel uncomfortable.
“All gamers get damage. I damage my wrist this 12 months and missed a month. In fact I don’t have full-year numbers.
“It’s disappointing to listen to me being questioned about my contribution to the workforce. Simply actually damage by that notion as a result of I really like Philly a lot.”
Harper admitted he was damage by Dombrowski’s public feedback, and he was annoyed that there was nearly nothing he may do to exhibit his dedication to the Phillies.
“From altering positions to coming again early from harm, I present whole dedication for my workforce. And but there’s nonetheless commerce discuss,” Harper mentioned.
Phillies must do harm management with Bryce Harper
The Phillies might have some work to do smoothing issues over with Harper, although the 33-year-old clearly doesn’t wish to depart. Dombrowski possible didn’t intend to begin a debate on Harper’s worth together with his feedback, however the subject took on a lifetime of its personal.
Harper was restricted to 132 video games in 2025 by a lingering wrist harm. When he did play, he was not as dynamic as he has been prior to now. Whereas he nonetheless hit 27 house runs, his .261 common was his lowest mark since 2019, his first season with the Phillies.
