Phillies’ Bryce Harper understands Jalen Hurts’ role for the Eagles a bit better after latest social media buzz
The fellow Philly star is feeling the pressure and embracing it.
Across the sports world, there will always be a pot to stir. For the Philadelphia Phillies, that occurred earlier this year when their own executive called out superstar Bryce Harper in a way that lit the baseball world on fire via social media. Harper heard the comments and understands that he now has to show the sort of player he can still be, even as he enters his mid-30s.
Bryce Harper is embracing the doubts and mimics Jalen Hurts’ recent situation for Eagles
Phillies President Dave Dombrowski said earlier this year that he does not know if Harper can be an elite player again during his pro career. Basically, he may have already peaked, and the ceiling could be limited going forward. That’s his point of view as of now.
“He is still a quality player. He is still an All-Star caliber player. He did not have an elite season like he has in the past. I guess we will only find out if he becomes elite or if he continues to be good. Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer. He is the one that will dictate that. I don’t think he is content with the year he had, and it wasn’t a bad year. But when you think of Bryce Harper, you think elite. You’re thinking of one of the top 10 players in baseball. I don’t think it fit into that category. He is a very good player.” — Dave Dombrowski on Bryce Harper in October of 2025
Harper remains one of the most beloved players in the entire MLB and headlines the position player group for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is widely expected to play a huge role in their success, alongside his key role for the Phillies next season.
Jalen Hurts is no stranger to people creating narratives to push that he may not be as valuable or talented as his team’s overall success would present on the surface. Now, Harper is feeling the same sort of doubt – just from a bit more of a direct source than just some social media users or random fans of his team.
It’s also worth noting that Harper, rocking that shirt, looks a bit bulkier than he has over the past coupe of seasons. It looks like he has added some muscle in his efforts to prove the doubters wrong in 2026.
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