Overview
- At the Phillies’ end‑of‑season press conference, Dave Dombrowski questioned whether Bryce Harper can return to an elite level, saying, “we only find out if he becomes elite or continues to be good.”
- Scott Boras countered in interviews, highlighting Harper as one of 10 qualified hitters in 2025 with at least a .355 on‑base percentage and .485 slugging percentage and noting his WAR compares favorably to several past seasons.
- Boras also cited expected stats and batted‑ball measures—barrel rate, hard‑hit rate and exit velocity—as consistent with top hitters, offering comps to players such as Bobby Witt Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez.
- Coverage noted Harper’s traditional numbers dipped in 2025 to a .261 average, .844 OPS and 27 home runs, with context that he spent 23 days on the injured list due to a wrist issue.
- Boras said he does not believe the Phillies are contemplating a trade and emphasized Harper’s long‑term place in Philadelphia, while reports tying the Yankees to Harper remain speculative with no confirmed team discussions.