Dombrowski reconciles differences with Harper: 'Had a nice conversation'

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and superstar Bryce Harper cleared the air after the first baseman was upset by trade rumors that sparked when the executive questioned the player's elite status.

"We had a nice conversation," Dombrowski told reporters Tuesday at the GM meetings in Las Vegas, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. "Everything went well."

Dombrowski added the chat was extensive.

"We talked for quite a while," the 69-year-old said, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "And really, conversations between Bryce and myself are between us."

Dombrowski pondered to the media in mid-October if Harper was still a true difference-maker moving forward after the two-time NL MVP hit 27 homers with 75 RBIs and an .844 OPS in his age-32 season in 2025.

"He didn't have an elite season like he has had in the past," Dombrowski said at the time. "And I guess we only find out if he becomes elite or he continues to be good. … Can he rise to the next level again? I don't really know that answer. He's the one that will dictate that more than anything else."

Harper later revealed the comments hurt him.

"It's disappointing to hear me being questioned about my contribution to the team," Harper said in late October. "Just really hurt by that notion because I love Philly so much."

The eight-time All-Star added: "I have given my all to Philly from the start. Now there is trade talk? I made every effort to avoid this. It's all I heard in D.C. (with the Nationals). I hated it. It makes me feel uncomfortable."

Harper still has six years left on a 13-year, $330-million contract he signed with the Phillies in February 2019. He owns a full no-trade clause.