Philadelphia Philliesfirst basemanBryce Harper has built a remarkable reputation across 14 MLB seasons.
The 33-year-old veteran owns two National League MVP awards, eight All-Star selections and four Silver Sluggers, cementing his place among the game’s elite. Yet one achievement continues to elude him: a World Series championship.
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As his career moves into its later stages, Harper remains determined to deliver that title to Philadelphia. The Phillies are once again positioned as contenders, highlighted by the offseason re-signing of designated hitterKyle Schwarber, though the club has endured back-to-back early postseason exits.
Harper continues to be a force at the plate, posting a .261 batting average, .357 on-base percentage and .844 OPS with 27 home runs and 75 RBIs across 132 games in 2025.
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Harper has had quite the eventful offseason. In October, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski assessed Harper’s 2025 campaign, saying, “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 he continues to be good” (h/t Todd Zolecki of MLB.com).
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While Harper and Dombrowski appeared to clear the air, the slugger later surfaced in a December training video wearing a shirt that read “not elite,” suggesting he may have taken the comments to heart.
Harper has also made headlines off the field. Preparing for the 2026 season, he recently addressed his apparel future on social media.
In one post on TikTok, he was spotted wearing Nike shoes, prompting questions about his long-standing partnership with Under Armour. When asked directly, Harper replied, “Free agent in the apparel/footwear category right now, buddy.”
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Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper replies to a question Friday on TikTok.@3ryceharper on TikTok
The comment drew attention because of his long association with Under Armour, a partnership that began in 2011 and was extended in 2016 with a record multi-year deal.
He became the face of several campaigns and collaborated on signature cleats that highlighted his personality and performance.
The relationship was one of the most prominent athlete-brand endorsements in baseball, but with the deal seemingly over, Harper’s future in the apparel market appears open as he explores new opportunities.
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For the Phillies, Harper remains the focal point of their lineup and a leader in the clubhouse. His production, experience and determination continue to drive the team’s pursuit of a championship.
As the 2026 season approaches, Philadelphia’s hopes of breaking through in October rest heavily on Harper’s bat and presence.
Related: Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez Sends Message to Phillies Player After Award News
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.