Bryce Harper Staying Put as Phillies Double Down on Franchise Star After Tumultuous 2025 Season
— Friday, October 24, 2025
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski moved swiftly this week to put an end to growing speculation surrounding Bryce Harper’s future with the franchise. Speaking on Thursday, October 23, Dombrowski made it clear that Harper, 32, “isn’t being traded” and remains central to the Phillies’ long-term plans.
“Bryce is a cornerstone player,” Dombrowski said during a press conference at Citizens Bank Park. “He’s an All-Star-caliber guy, and while this past season didn’t meet his own standards, we’re fully confident in his ability to bounce back.”
Rumors of a potential Harper trade had gained traction earlier in the week after several national outlets questioned whether Philadelphia might consider reshaping its core following a disappointing postseason exit. Harper, who has full no-trade protection under his 13-year, $330 million contract signed in March 2019, has expressed no desire to leave the city he calls “home.”
Injury-plagued 2025 campaign
Harper’s 2025 season was defined by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating stretches on the injured list.
On Monday, May 27, Harper was struck on the right elbow by a fastball during a game against the Atlanta Braves, forcing him to miss several contests. Less than two weeks later, on Friday, June 7, he was placed on the 10-day injured list with right wrist inflammation — a setback that sidelined him until mid-June.
Despite those challenges, Harper returned to deliver standout moments, including a breakout performance on Wednesday, July 9, when he recorded four extra-base hits in a dominant win over the San Francisco Giants. That game was a reminder of the power and intensity that made him a two-time National League MVP.
By season’s end, Harper posted a .261 batting average, 29 home runs, and an .844 OPS — his lowest marks since joining the Phillies in 2019.
Front-office faith and future role
Dombrowski and manager Rob Thomson both confirmed that Harper will continue to play primarily at first base next season, a role he transitioned to in 2024 following Tommy John surgery. The switch, while initially experimental, has since become part of the team’s long-term defensive strategy.
“Bryce handled the position incredibly well,” Thomson said Wednesday. “It’s about keeping him healthy and maximizing his impact in the lineup. We expect big things next year.”
A personal highlight amid the grind
Off the diamond, Harper and his wife, Kayla, celebrated the birth of their fourth child, Hayes, on Saturday, October 12, just hours before Game 1 of the Phillies’ National League Division Series. Harper called the day “one of the best of my life,” saying the experience reminded him “why family and baseball always go hand in hand.”
Looking ahead to 2026
The Phillies enter the winter facing familiar questions about depth, health, and performance at the plate. For Harper, the focus will be on returning to full strength and proving that 2025 was merely a down year rather than a decline.
“He’s still the heartbeat of this team,” Dombrowski emphasized. “The leadership he brings, the way he competes — that’s something you can’t put a price on.”
As trade rumors fade and the offseason begins, one thing is certain: Bryce Harper isn’t leaving Philadelphia anytime soon. The city, the front office, and the fans remain firmly in his corner — waiting to see if 2026 will be the season he reclaims his place among baseball’s elite.
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