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Phillies Reaffirm Bryce Harper’s Status After ‘Productive’ Talk, Keeping Him at First Base

The update cools recent friction over his elite standing, clearing the way for offseason planning.

Overview

  • At the GM Meetings, Dave Dombrowski said he and Bryce Harper had a private conversation that went well and declined to share details.
  • Dombrowski reiterated that the Phillies are not trading Harper and called him a long‑term cornerstone and future Hall of Famer.
  • The club prefers Harper to remain at first base going forward, with no plans to move him back to the outfield.
  • The dialogue followed Dombrowski’s October remarks questioning a return to elite form, comments Harper said left him hurt and uncomfortable.
  • Harper is in year seven of a 13‑year, $330 million deal and coming off a 2025 season with 27 home runs and an .844 OPS; agent Scott Boras said both sides want him to finish his career in Philadelphia.