Bryce Harper's performance draws mixed reactions following the Phillies' quick postseason exit. Phillies president Dave Dombrowski questioned Harper's elite potential but later clarified in a conversation. Heading into 2026 at age 33, Harper faces optimism and concerns in his contract year.
The Philadelphia Phillies' early postseason departure this year sparked debate about Bryce Harper's future. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski wondered if Harper, now 33, could return to truly elite form. Harper was initially "hurt" by the comments, but Dombrowski described their follow-up as a "nice conversation." The issue has quieted, with Harper set to remain the team's anchor as they aim for a World Series in 2026. He is past the halfway mark of his 13-year, $330 million contract signed before the 2019 season.
Reasons for Optimism
Harper continues to hit the ball hard, posting a 47.5% hard-hit rate and 91.3 mph average exit velocity in 2025, matching or exceeding his career averages. His barrel rate improved to 12.3% from 10.6% in 2024. Despite a .487 slugging percentage—his lowest since 2016—his expected SLG of .486 ranked in the 88th percentile. Defensively at first base, Harper recorded +1 Outs Above Average in 2025, rebounding with +4 OAA in August and September after a -4 OAA May that included his only two errors.
His agent, Scott Boras, defended Harper, saying, "You put gas in the tank, and the Harperi—meaning the Ferrari—works."
Areas of Concern
Harper struggled against breaking pitches, batting .238 with a .438 slugging percentage in 2025, while seeing them 41.3% of the time—his career high and up 8% from 2024. His swing rate against them hit 23.1%, also a career high. Pitchers attacked him outside the zone, with a 43% zone rate (lowest among 532 qualifiers) and 6.3% meatball rate (497th). This led to career-high swing (52.2%) and first-pitch swing (54.1%) rates, plus a 35.6% chase rate in the 11th percentile. Since his 2021 NL MVP season, his chase rate has risen to 34.4% from 28.3% earlier in his career.