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3d ago

Dombrowski Rejects Bryce Harper Trade Talk as Harper Says Rumors ‘Hurt’

Harper’s full no-trade clause and long-term deal further undercut the feasibility of any move.

Oct 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts as he scores a run during the fourth inning in game three of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 08: President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to the media during the introductory press conference for Trea Turner at Citizens Bank Park on December 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 09: Chris Woodward #84 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates as Andy Pages #44 reaches on an error as Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during the 11th inning in game four of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Phillies president Dave Dombrowski said on Foul Territory that trading Harper "couldn't be further from the truth" and reiterated to the New York Post that Harper is a franchise cornerstone.
  • Harper told The Athletic he felt "hurt" and uncomfortable by the trade chatter following Dombrowski’s public assessment of his 2025 season.
  • Dombrowski had said Harper’s year was "very good" but "not an elite year" and questioned whether he can return to elite form, comments that fueled media speculation he later moved to quash.
  • Agent Scott Boras defended Harper, pointing to a month lost to a wrist issue and noting he saw pitches in the zone only 43% of the time, arguing better lineup protection would lift results.
  • Harper, 33, has six years left on a 13-year, $330 million contract with a full no-trade clause after posting a .261/.357/.487 line with 27 homers and an .844 OPS in 2025, while some reports describe short-term clubhouse friction.