Dave Dombrowski may be questioning whether Bryce Harper is elite or not, but the Phillies’ president of baseball operations would have a hard time denying the first baseman’s trolling skills.
In what appeared to be a not-so-thinly veiled shot at Dombrowski, Harper posted a video of himself on TikTok taking batting practice on Friday and he appeared to be wearing a shirt that read “Not Elite” on the front of it.
Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper 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. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The quote on the front was a callback to comments made by Dombrowski following the Phillies’ elimination from the playoffs in October, when the front office exec said Harper “didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past.”
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The shirt didn’t go unnoticed by fans either, who quickly caught on to the message Harper was potentially trying to send with his attire.
“‘Not elite’ need that 2012-19 KILLER version of Bryce back like I need air,” one person wrote.
“‘Not elite’ the man is angry… mvp,” another fan commented.
“I love an angry Bryce Harper. LFG 2026,” a third person wrote.
Harper appeared in 132 games for the Phillies in 2025 and hit .261 with 27 home runs and 75 RBIs, while also recording an .844 OPS.
The Phillies star’s numbers were down from years past in Philadelphia, though he did have to deal with a wrist injury that played a part in his season numbers.
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It was during an end-of-year news conference that Dombrowski questioned whether Harper could return to his “elite” form.
“Of course, he’s still a quality player. He’s still an All-Star caliber player,” Dombrowski said at the time. “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. I look around the league … Freddie Freeman. He’s a really good player, right? He still is a good player. Is he elite like he was before? Probably not to the same extent. Freddie’s a tremendous player. And, that to me, is Bryce. 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.”
Philadelphia Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski before the game against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park in 2023. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The baseball executive later appeared on “Foul Territory” to try to clarify his comments.
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Harper did tell The Athletic later in the month that it was “disappointing to hear me being questioned about my contribution to the team” and that he was “just really hurt” by it.
The Phillies’ first baseman did not love the trade speculation that it led to either.
Dombrowski and Harper did sit down to clear the air about the remarks.
The Philies (96-66) won the NL East for the second straight year before losing again in the Division Series, this time to the world champion Dodgers.
Harper has six years left on his contract with the Phillies.