Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper appeared to take a subtle jab at team president Dave Dombrowski by wearing a shirt reading 'Not Elite' during batting practice. The attire references Dombrowski's post-season comments questioning Harper's elite status in 2025. Fans quickly picked up on the message, sparking reactions online.
On Friday, Bryce Harper shared a TikTok video of himself taking batting practice, sporting a shirt emblazoned with 'Not Elite' on the front. The phrase directly echoes remarks made by Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski following the team's playoff exit in October.
Dombrowski, during an end-of-year news conference, stated that Harper 'didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past.' He elaborated: 'Of course, he’s still a quality player. 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 if he continues to be good.' Comparing Harper to Freddie Freeman, Dombrowski added, 'I don’t think he’s content with the year that he had... when I think of Bryce Harper, you’re thinking elite, you’re thinking one of the top 10 players in baseball, and I don’t think [his 2025 season] fit into that category.'
Harper's 2025 performance included a .261 batting average, 27 home runs, 75 RBIs, and an .844 OPS over 132 games, impacted by a wrist injury. The Phillies finished 96-66, clinching the NL East for the second straight year but falling to the world champion Dodgers in the Division Series.
The comments stung Harper, who later told The Athletic it was 'disappointing to hear me being questioned about my contribution to the team' and that he was 'just really hurt' by them. He also disliked ensuing trade speculation. Dombrowski later clarified his remarks on the 'Foul Territory' podcast, and the two met to discuss the issue.
Fans reacted swiftly to Harper's post. One wrote, ''Not elite' need that 2012-19 KILLER version of Bryce back like I need air.' Another said, ''Not elite' the man is angry… mvp.' A third commented, 'I love an angry Bryce Harper. LFG 2026.' With six years remaining on his contract, Harper's gesture highlights ongoing tensions within the organization as they prepare for 2026.
