MLB Insider Urges Phillies To Consider Trading One Of Their Superstars
Writing in the immediate aftermath of the elimination, Rosenthal argued Dave Dombrowski and ownership need to at least consider moving either Bryce Harper or Kyle Schwarber this winter.
"The Phillies at least need to kick around the idea of trading one of them," Rosenthal wrote. "Actually following through, though, would be another matter, given Middleton's affection for both players."
Why It Would Be So Hard To Pull Off
Rosenthal was upfront that this isn't an easy move to execute.
"Besides, trading Harper or Schwarber would be tricky," he wrote. Both players hold full no-trade protection, with Schwarber recently gaining those rights as a player with 10 years of major league service time and five with the same club.
Harper's situation carries added history. He declined opt-outs in the 13-year, $330 million deal he signed in 2019 because he wanted to stay in one place for the rest of his career and no longer wanted to be the subject of trade rumors.
He has five years and $118 million remaining on that contract, which runs through 2031.
John Kruk: "RUN!"
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) October 2, 2026
Bryce Harper was slow to get out of the box, not realizing strike three had gotten away.
(Via: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/GRcx3VGWtQ
Rosenthal also pointed out the practical challenge of moving Schwarber.
"Interested teams could view Harper as either a first baseman or right fielder. Schwarber, who is strictly a designated hitter, does not offer that kind of defensive utility," he wrote. "And the Phillies would be reluctant to move a player who is the team's heart and soul and leads the majors with 232 home runs the past five seasons." Schwarber has four years and $120 million left on his own deal.
The Numbers Behind The Conversation
Harper finished this season with 29 home runs, 87 RBI, 32 doubles, and an .865 OPS, very solid production but not enough to prevent a late collapse for a team that entered the year with the fourth-highest payroll in baseball.
His postseason numbers were quiet, going just 3-for-14 across the Wild Card series after posting a 1.279 OPS in last year's playoff loss.
Dombrowski publicly wondered nearly a year ago whether Harper would regain his elite form, which immediately triggered trade speculation then too.
Rosenthal's column restarts that conversation, with the Athletics floated as one possible fit given their upcoming move to Las Vegas and Harper's Nevada roots.
