MLB Rumors: Phillies President Speaks On Bryce Harper Trade Rumors

Philadelphia Phillies Bryce Harper reacts during 2025 game.

Bryce Harper trade rumors met a hard stop on Thursday, as the Philadelphia Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said any talk of moving the superstar “couldn’t be further from the truth.”

The clarification came after Dombrowski’s post-series comments about whether Harper would return to “elite” form sparked speculation. He doubled down on Harper’s stature, calling him one of the best players in baseball and a vital piece of the club’s future.

"I've been reading that the Phillies may trade Bryce Harper. That couldn't be further from the truth."

Dave Dombrowski says Bryce Harper is an elite talent, and his comments weren't meant to be criticism. pic.twitter.com/HMJY6TjPsv
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 23, 2025

Why Dombrowski is dismissing the chatter
Harper’s 2025 wasn’t up to his own sky-high standard, but it was still the kind of season most teams would covet: a .261/.357/.487 line with 27 home runs and 75 RBI.

He also battled a wrist issue and still posted an .844 OPS. Crucially, Harper remains under contract with the Phillies through 2031 and holds a full no-trade clause, making any theoretical deal more fantasy than reality.

I’m gonna speak on this Bryce Harper situation.

He isn’t getting traded. Bottom line.

It’s just silly and careless to even think he gets moved.

Harper’s agent, Scott Boras on Dombrowski’s comments and the rumors: “I don’t think Dave (Dombrowski) or John (Middleton) or anybody… pic.twitter.com/YkKHjqehAL
— SleeperPhillies (@SleeperPhillies) October 23, 2025

What ‘elite’ looks like from here
Philadelphia believes Harper’s ceiling is still within reach, and the club’s focus is supporting him with more thump behind him in the order to force better pitches.

Whether that comes from internal solutions or offseason additions, the expectation is the same: Harper reports to spring training aiming to drive this lineup and chase the championship that has eluded him since arriving in Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images