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Dombrowski Questions Harper’s Elite Future as Phillies Extend Thomson, Set Offseason Priorities

The club pairs a vote of confidence in its staff with a measured plan for retooling under clear payroll limits.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Kyle Schwarber #12 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts in the dugout after scoring against the Minnesota Twins at Citizens Bank Park on September 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 5: Nick Castellanos #8 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on against the Cincinnati Reds at Citizens Bank Park on July 5, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Reds 5-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 21: Manager Rob Thomson #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies watches the action against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Chase Field on September 21, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Dave Dombrowski said he does not know if Bryce Harper can be “elite” again, calling him an All-Star–caliber player after a season he felt was short of top-10 status.
  • Harper, now 33, posted a .261/.357/.487 line with 27 home runs and an .844 OPS, missed about a month with a wrist injury, and went 3-for-15 in the NLDS.
  • Philadelphia will add a year to Rob Thomson’s contract beyond 2026 and retain the coaching staff, with a new bench coach to be hired.
  • Offseason priorities include attempts to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Ranger Suárez and Harrison Bader, with José Alvarado’s $9 million club option expected to be exercised and Nick Castellanos’ status left open.
  • Dombrowski said ownership backs a high payroll but ruled out a $400 million budget, as backlash to his Harper remarks and outside trade speculation surfaced without any sign the team intends to move its star under a long-term deal.