“It’s Unfair” – Former MLB Star Takes A Shot At Phillies GM While Backing Bryce Harper
Pressure in Philly is nothing new. However, this time, the limelight isn’t just on the field, but it’s climbing the front-office ladder. After a statistically down 2025, questions about Bryce Harper’s “elite” status surfaced publicly. That didn’t sit well with everyone inside the baseball world. Especially not with Kevin Pillar.
Speaking on “Foul Territory” on February 21, 2026, the former MLB outfielder didn’t hedge. He pushed back hard on how the Philadelphia Phillies have handled their franchise cornerstone. His frustration centered on comments made by team president Dave Dombrowski, who openly questioned whether Bryce Harper remains elite.
Pillar added that if there’s real heat in Philadelphia, it belongs upstairs, not on Harper’s shoulders. He alluded that he’d run through a wall for the two-time MVP.
“It’s unfair for his GM and President of Baseball Operations to put a target on his back.”
"It's unfair for his GM and President of Baseball Operations to put a target on his back."
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 22, 2026
If there's pressure in Philly, it shouldn't be on Bryce Harper — it should be on the front office, says @KPILLAR4. pic.twitter.com/fEIRvohXlK
The 33-year-old has since called the public evaluation “wild,” noting the organization previously promised to keep those conversations in-house. Former Phillies GM and current analyst Ruben Amaro Jr. acknowledged the tension, even while defending Dombrowski’s transparency.
The message from Pillar: build around your star. Don’t spotlight him.
Bryce Harper’s 2025 Dip Sparks Debate as Front Office Faces Heat
Harper’s 2025 dip wasn’t dramatic, but it was noticeable. His average slid from .285 in 2024 to .261. Homers dropped from 30 to 27. RBIs fell to 75. OPS down from .898 to .844. Not collapse numbers. Just below his own elite bar. That’s what pretty much sparked Dave Dombrowski’s public critique.
Around the league, though, support poured in. Kevin Pillar and other former players argued the pressure should sit with the front office, not Bryce Harper. There’s also reported frustration over the club passing on a Rhys Hoskins reunion – a move Harper reportedly pushed for.
For clarity: Dombrowski later said there’s zero trade talk. Bryce Harper’s locked in through 2031 with a full no-trade clause.
“It’s Unfair” – Former MLB Star Takes A Shot At Phillies GM While Backing Bryce Harper
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