Bryce Harper Responds to Criticism from Phillies Team Executive with TikTok Post
Philadelphia Phillies executive Dombrowski publicly questioned whether Bryce Harper could regain his elite status beyond the 2025 season, noting that Harper did not have an elite season like in the past. Harper responded with a TikTok video filmed in a batting cage where he wore a shirt reading "NOT ELITE," which was interpreted as a message directed at the team executive. The two reportedly had a private discussion following these comments.
During the 2025 season, Harper posted a .261 batting average with an .844 OPS over 132 games, despite a wrist injury that caused him to be placed on the injured list. Dombrowski acknowledged that Harper remains All-Star caliber but suggested that elite status is not guaranteed, comparing him to Freddie Freeman. The Phillies were eliminated from the postseason by the Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series. Notably, Harper turned 33 just one week after the Phillies' elimination.
Harper originally signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season.
