Overview
- Harper shared a batting-cage TikTok wearing a shirt reading "Not Elite," a phrase widely linked to recent comments from Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski.
- In October, Dombrowski said Harper "didn't have an elite season" by his past standards, later clarifying on the Foul Territory podcast that Harper remained an All-Star-caliber player.
- Harper previously said he was hurt by the remarks and ensuing trade chatter, and he and Dombrowski spoke privately to clear the air, with no fresh statements from team leadership since the video.
- Harper's 2025 line—132 games, .261 average, 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, .844 OPS—reflected a step down from his MVP peaks and included time missed with a wrist injury.
- Reporters noted the shirt's meaning is ambiguous, with reactions ranging from a perceived jab to self-motivation, as conversations turn to his 2026 outlook and planned World Baseball Classic appearance with Team USA.