{"id":108580,"date":"2025-10-19T20:39:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T00:39:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=108580"},"modified":"2025-10-19T20:39:38","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T00:39:38","slug":"feud-in-philadelphia-bryce-harper-dave-dombrowski","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/10\/19\/feud-in-philadelphia-bryce-harper-dave-dombrowski\/","title":{"rendered":"A Feud Could Be Brewing in the Phillies Organization"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the dust settles after another disappointing postseason, some are beginning to wonder if trouble is brewing between two of the Philadelphia Phillies’ most recognizable figures: superstar Bryce Harper<\/a> and President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski. Considering multiple failed extension talks, recent remarks, and a growing angst for a World Series title, questions are starting to surface about the relationship between the star and the strategist. There\u2019s nothing to gain in creating a problem that doesn’t exist. Although with free agency looming, tight pockets, and new possibilities that could present themselves, a deeper look into the not-so-perfect relationship could point to a problem in the future. Here’s why.<\/p>\n

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Nov 9, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski answers questions from the media during the MLB GM Meetings at The Conrad Las Vegas. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bryce Harper vs. Dave Dombrowski: Feud Brewing in Philly?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Speculation started after the Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, which sent the Phillies home early for the third straight season. Harper, known for his honesty, notably avoided a direct answer when asked about manager Rob Thomson<\/a>\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

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\u201cHe\u2019s done a great job for us. I don\u2019t know what the future holds. Have no idea. I think that\u2019s a Dave Dombrowski question. But obviously, we love Topper here. He\u2019s been great for us. And I think that\u2019s, like I said, that\u2019s a Dombrowski question.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The reply wasn\u2019t damning, but Harper has a reputation for blunt, truthful assessments on those in the organization, whether management likes it or not. If Harper felt strongly about Thomson returning, he likely would\u2019ve said that plainly. Take Trea Turner<\/a>, for example. The star shortstop was given the same question and answered with glaring support of Thomson. \u201cI don’t think we could ask for more. We have a good manager,\u201d said Turner. \u201cI’ve probably played for four or five, and they’ve been really good, and he’s right up there with them.\u201d\u00a0 Harper\u2019s vague response left fans and media wondering if his trust in the current leadership is fading.<\/p>\n

Dombrowski<\/a>, known for his win-now attitude, didn\u2019t do much to quiet the noise. On Thursday, he suggested Harper may no longer be in the \u201celite\u201d category, raising eyebrows across the city. Whether intentional or not, a statement like that landed hard with the media. Harper looked frustrated and visibly disengaged in 2025, which was odd considering the veteran\u2019s need to add a World Series win to his resum\u00e9. He has also been unsuccessful in extension talks with Dombrowski and the front office, who extended several other key players, including Zack Wheeler<\/a>, and gave Aaron Nola<\/a> superstar money this past winter.<\/p>\n

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Would the Phillies entertain trading Bryce Harper? #MLBTonight<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ZvicVx2vYI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n