The Philadelphia Phillies have done a decent job this offseason, but still have some work on their hands. And one of the major works to do is in the clubhouse and the atmosphere there. With a name like Bryce Harper in the clubhouse, it will be very important to handle it properly, even if it means that other players are sacrificed.

“The Phillies already replaced Castellanos with… Adolis García… to bat behind Harper… He’d be viable as right-handed protection for Harper in a batting order,” wrote Scott Lauber. “Bohm emerged in 2023 as the Phillies’ best protection for Harper… often making teams pay for pitching around Harper.”

At the end of the 2025 season, Dave Dombrowski questioned whether Bryce Harper could return to elite form. He said that his 27 homers, 75 RBIs, .261 batting average, and 3.1 bWAR were solid but not dominant.

Harper was reportedly hurt by those remarks and trade rumors, which fueled fears of a real clubhouse rift spreading through fall and winter. Dombrowski later said he had a private conversation with Harper that “went well,” indicating both sides aligned and were ready to move forward.

Despite those assurances, Harper recently posted a batting practice video wearing a “Not Elite” shirt. This reignited the discussion about his motivation and pride, and if the meeting really went well.

The Phillies appear focused on surrounding Harper with hitters that can protect him in the lineup, placing him in the best position to succeed. Signing Adolis García and considering sacrificing Alec Bohm’s place shows management is willing to sacrifice roster spots to strengthen Harper’s offensive support.

Bohm, under arbitration for roughly $10 million in 2026, hit .287 in 2025 and drove in 97 runs in both 2023 and 2024, while García slugged .472 with 97 homers from 2021–23 but dipped to .397 recently. Both players’ production and potential are significant, yet the Phillies appear ready to move them if it improves Harper’s batting opportunities.

These strategic moves demonstrate that even after public comments and tension, the team maintains its commitment to Harper as its lineup anchor.

That context turns speculation into clarity, and suddenly Philadelphia’s choices around Bryce Harper feel deliberate. Dave Dombrowski’s moves suggest control, prioritizing Harper’s production while accepting Bohm and García as expendable. In that sense, authority wins quietly, and the Phillies’ clubhouse speaks louder than winter rumors.

Bryce Harper predicted to become “elite” again in 2026

Some seasons test patience more than talent, and 2025 was one of them. Bryce Harper and the Phillies trudged through a year that barely resembled the highlight reels we’re used to seeing. Even the front office raised eyebrows, wondering if their superstar could still carry the weight of expectation, or if Philly was ready to write him off too soon.

MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki predicts Bryce Harper will finish in the top three of NL MVP voting in 2026. He says that Harper will have a strong bounce-back from his 2025 performance. Harper played 132 games last season, producing a .261 batting average with a .844 OPS. This showed that he can still maintain impact despite injury setbacks.

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His previous MVP in 2021 and NLCS MVP in 2022 demonstrate consistent elite ability, suggesting this prediction has a solid statistical and historical foundation.

If Harper reaches top form, the Phillies could transform their playoff potential, building on last season’s 96-66 record. Even in a down year, his 27 home runs and 75 RBIs contributed to Philadelphia finishing second in the National League. A return to peak performance would energize the roster, giving the team a great chance in the postseason.

Bryce Harper’s potential resurgence could redefine the Phillies’ identity, reminding critics that talent often speaks louder. Philadelphia fans have reason to watch closely, as every swing might carry playoff implications and headlines. If Harper delivers, the narrative of doubt will fade, leaving only evidence of elite performance remaining.