Bryce Harper Is Still Grouchy About Dave Dombrowski's Loose Ponderings | Defector

"Probably not. They've got stars all over the damn place, and to judge from years of vitriol you have to assume that by jettisoning Nick Castellanos the Phillies have banked another 20 wins, easily. The loss of Ranger Suárez stings, I'm sure, but the Phillies still go at least six deep in trustworthy starting pitchers. Barring several disasters, the Phillies will contend for the crown of the punishing NL East."

"Still, at the start of spring training, this does not quite seem like the happy bunch of years past. Even if Castellanos's teammates are largely glad to be rid of his bluetooth speaker and dugout brewskis, the circumstances of his departure are grody, and hint at a clubhouse culture that is vulnerable to idiosyncrasy and is maybe a little pricklier and less relenting than you'd expect, given a team aesthetic that suggests a state university's very least reputable fraternity."

""In Bryce's case, of course he's still a quality player, he's still an All Star-caliber player. He didn't have an elite season as he's had in the past, and I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good," said Dombrowski, in response to what turned out to be a very good prompt to explain how he evaluates Harper's 2025 performance and sets expectations for his star first-baseman's future."

The Philadelphia Phillies remain likely contenders in the NL East despite roster changes and injuries. The team lost Nick Castellanos and Ranger Suárez, but still has at least six trustworthy starting pitchers. Castellanos's departure was messy and hints at a clubhouse culture that is vulnerable to idiosyncrasy and a bit pricklier than expected. Team president Dave Dombrowski pondered whether Bryce Harper can return to elite form late in his 13-year contract after a 2025 season that fell short of his past standards. Harper struggled with a wrist injury yet finished in the league's 89th percentile in batting value per Statcast. Barring several disasters, the roster and pitching depth should keep the Phillies in contention for division and postseason success.

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