Bryce Harper is a two-time National League MVP, but is he still elite?
That was the controversy surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies franchise centerpiece after falling to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Divisional round of the MLB playoffs, when the Phils’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, wouldn’t call Harper elite.
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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. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
“Of course, he’s still a quality player,” Dombrowski said. “He’s still an All-Star caliber player. He didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past. And I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or if he continues to be good.”
After comparing Harper directly to the Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman, a former NL MVP and three-time World Series Champion, who caught a stray out of nowhere, Dombrowski continued.
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Jun. 9, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) hug after Harper reached first on a walk during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
“Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer. I mean, really, he’s the one that will dictate that more than anything else, is what it comes down to. I don’t think he’s content with the year that he had. And, again, it wasn’t a bad year, but when I think of Bryce Harper, you’re thinking elite, you’re thinking one of the top 10 players in baseball, and I don’t think [his 2025 season] fit into that category. But, again, very good player.”
Harper claps back with ‘not elite’ shirt in the batting cages
Oct. 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) looks on during warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The eight time All-Star clapped back in a TikTok video that went viral, wearing a shirt that said “NOT ELITE” while hitting in the batting cages this week. Naturally, that turned heads as a direct counter to Dombrowski’s comments.
Bryce Harper posted a video on his Tik Tok of him in the batting cages wearing a shirt that says “NOT ELITE.” pic.twitter.com/kK1Mz3zGNW
— Phillies Central (@philscentral_) December 27, 2025Harper’s wife Kayla smartly posted Harper in ‘Lover’ Christmas pajamas
Sept. 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) during the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citizens Bank Park. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Harper’s wife, Kayla, smartly tried to deflect the controversy by showing off her husband, with their four kids, wearing “LOVER” Christmas pajamas.
Kayla Harper posts Bryce hanging with his kids in “LOVER” pajamas. | Kayla Harper/Instagram
With nearly $200 million remaining on Harper’s $330 million deal, and Philly being known as the city of Brotherly Love, not to mention the famous Robert Indiana “LOVE” sculpture, it’s better for Harper and the Phillies to be lovers, not fighters.
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