Comments last week made by Philadelphia Phillies GM Dave Dombrowski about Phillies star Bryce Harper have fueled trade speculation among fans and pundits, but there isn’t a ton of substance to the buzz. Here’s what Dombrowski said, in case you missed it: Bryce Harper wasn’t an elite MLB hitter in 2025? Was it a down year or the start of a decline at age 33?“Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer. He’s the one that will dictate that more than anything else.” -Dave Dombrowski pic.twitter.com/Pj8AR2cED8— Colin Newby (@ToNewbyginnings) October 16, 2025 While no lies could be detected in Dombrowski’s Harper remarks, and while Dombrowski did not in any way, shape, or form suggest that Harper won’t be a member of the Phillies moving forward, MLB fans and media couldn’t help but distort Dombrowski’s words to their own liking. The New York Post‘s Joel Sherman even began dreaming of a Harper-New York Yankees union. Story continues below advertisement Harper’s agent, Scott Boras, came out and suggested that Dombrowski and Philly’s leadership is in no way considering trading Harper, as if fans needed further convincing (well, maybe they do). Harper’s 13-year, $330 million contract signed in 2019 has him locked in with Philly through 2031, and Harper wields a full no-trade clause, empowering him to veto any deal. Story continues below advertisement While Harper’s production dipped somewhat in 2025 (possibly due to injury), there’s no reason to suspect that the two-time NL MVP and generational talent won’t have a bounce-back season in 2026 and continue being one of the most dangerous bats in baseball. Harper hit .261 (.844 OPS) with 131 hits, 27 homers, 75 RBIs and 72 runs scored in 132 games this season. Philadelphia’s season ended in disappointing fashion when they were defeated in four games in the NLDS by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Story continues below advertisement Harper has collected just about every trophy there is to be had in MLB beyond a World Series championship.