Bryce Harper is once again saying the Philadelphia Phillies should make an addition ahead of the trade deadline.
Bryce Harper made it clear a few days ago what he hopes the Philadelphia Phillies do ahead of the impending MLB trade deadline: be buyers and add pieces.
The superstar reiterated and doubled down on that stance on Tuesday after the Phillies' 1-0 loss to the Miami Marlins.
When asked whether Harper believes Philadelphia has a good enough roster to compete in October, he was pretty honest with his response and doubled down on recent comments.
"I think we need some help," Harper said.
"I think we've proved pretty much all year, we've done a pretty good job. But, meantime, [if] you can get some help in here and reinforcements. I think it helps."
Clearly, Harper believes the front office needs to make some moves and add some pieces ahead of Monday's deadline. The next piece of the equation is: where should those additions come from?
From Harper's viewpoint, just about everywhere.
"I think both [an a pitcher and a hitter]," continued Harper. "I think, obviously, everybody knows what we need, so I think I've set it over the last couple of days."
Jul 19, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesHarper may be pretty blunt in his assessment of the current roster, but he isn't wrong.
Philadelphia's offense has been inconsistent at best in 2026.
Even though the Phillies had a team OPS of .787 in June, which ranked among the top 10 in baseball, the lineup has come crashing down to earth and looks much more like it did in April. Since the All-Star Break, the Phillies have a team .236/.299/.408 slash line and a 90wRC+.
The team is still in desperate need of a right-handed hitter to balance out the lineup, too.
Looking more at the pitching side of the issue, Andrew Painter's underwhelming and, in many ways, disastrous rookie season has put Philadelphia in a tough spot. The Phillies are still going through the rotation without a fifth starter.
Knowing how Dave Dombrowski has operated with the Phillies and other teams he's managed in the past, it would be shocking if Philadelphia wasn't ultra-aggressive over the next few days.
From Harper's perspective, the front office needs to do what is necessary for the team to be competitive in the postseason.
What players end up being, and whether the Phillies can get deals done for both a hitter and a pitcher, remain to be seen.
