Bryce Harper Rips Dave Dombrowski’s ‘Not Elite’ Jab, Phillies Drama Erupts

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Dave Dombrowski did not wait for Opening Day to dominate the Phillies’ news cycle. Just three days into full-squad workouts, the president of baseball operations finds himself juggling two very public storylines: Bryce Harper’s lingering frustration over last autumn’s “elite” comments and the club’s decision to eat $20 million to release Nick Castellanos. Bryce Harper responds to Dombrowski’s challenge Asked Sunday whether Dombrowski’s October remark—that the former MVP must prove he is “elite again” after a merely “very good” 2025—serves as motivation, Harper called the episode “kinda wild,” adding that the organization had pledged to keep criticisms in-house. He confirmed a private conversation with Dombrowski but made clear the comment “still sticks with me.” Castellanos release underscores an aggressive off-season Two days earlier, Dombrowski followed through on months of hints by cutting Castellanos, swallowing the final $20 million of the outfielder’s contract after failing to find a trade partner. The move cleared right field for free-agent prize Adolis García and signaled that Philadelphia will not hesitate to pay to streamline its roster. Inside Dombrowski’s 2026 blueprint • Power boost: García joins a middle of the order that already features Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner. • Rotation depth: With Zack Wheeler returning from surgery and top prospect Andrew Painter eyeing a June debut, the front office continues to explore veteran insurance. • Prospect pipeline: Dombrowski insists phenom Aidan Miller “will force the issue” at third base later this season, while center-field speedster Justin Crawford impressed in mini-camp. Clubhouse chemistry questions Harper’s “Not Elite” batting-practice shirt in December and Castellanos’ Instagram tell-all about the “beer in the dugout” incident raised eyebrows, yet players insist the room remains unified. Manager Rob Thomson said, “Our focus is on the 26 men here now.” Dombrowski echoed that stance, stressing transparency and results over optics. What it means for the 2026 pennant race 1. Payroll flexibility: Swallowing Castellanos’ money keeps the competitive-balance tax manageable in 2027, when extensions for Painter and Turner loom. 2. Harper’s trajectory: If the 33-year-old reclaims MVP form, Dombrowski’s tough-love approach will look prescient; if not, the quote may haunt the executive. 3. Trade capital: With a surplus of young arms, the Phillies can still pursue mid-season pitching help without mortgaging the farm. Bottom line Dave Dombrowski’s blunt honesty and decisive roster cuts have the Phillies in the spotlight before a pitch is thrown. Whether the strategy galvanizes Bryce Harper and fast-tracks a World Series return, or backfires amid clubhouse tension, will define Philadelphia’s 2026 season—and the legacy of the executive who refuses to play it safe.