Is Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper on the trade block?
Following the 2025 MLB campaign, Philadelphia Phillies president Dave Dombrowski made some rather incendiary comments about Bryce Harper, saying that he is no longer an elite player.
While Dombrowski was probably right, the remarks stung Harper, and it had many wondering if the Phillies could potentially trade him this winter.
A trade would be no easy feat, of course, as Harper still has six years remaining on the 13-year, $330 million contract he signed with Philadelphia back in February 2019.
Harper's value obviously isn't nearly what it used to be, so the Phillies might have to accept a lesser return if they decided to move him now.
However, Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer still feels that Philadelphia would seek a gargantuan trade package in return for the two-time MVP.
"Yet this is not to suggest the Phillies would be getting a good deal if they simply offloaded his money and got nothing back," Rymer wrote. "They don't have to move him, and could thus hope for a Godfather offer from a team willing to bank on his pedigree."
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.While Rymer named the Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners as potential landing spots for Harper, he ultimately predicted that the 33-year-old will stay put.
Harper slashed .261/.357/.487 with 27 home runs and 75 RBI over 580 plate appearances in 2025. Solid numbers for sure, but definitely not MVP-caliber.
In fact, since arriving in Philly six years ago, Harper has tallied 90 RBI just once, which came during his debut campaign when he finished with 114 RBI.
Harper did win an MVP award in 2021 courtesy of slashing .309/.429/.615 with 35 homers and 84 RBI, but one can make an argument that the eight-time All-Star has been an overall disappointment in the City of Brotherly Love given the hype that initially surrounded him.
Regardless, the lefty still has obvious value as a hitter and has only posted an OPS below .800 once in his 14-year big-league career, which came back in 2014 with the Washington Nationals.
More than likely, the Phillies will be holding on to Harper this offseason. It seems wildly improbable that they will receive an offer strong enough to move him, and let's face it: they are still in win-now mode, and trading Harper would be counterproductive to that goal.