It hasn’t been long since Bryce Harper‘s stature as an elite player was questioned. As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the buzzing questions about Harper surface again. Could the doubts surrounding the 33-year-old’s elite status affect the Philadelphia Phillies in the upcoming season, especially considering they missed out on players like Bo Bichette in the offseason trade market?

The controversy around Bryce Harper’s elite status stemmed from the Philadelphia Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, sharing his two cents on the 33-year-old. Dombrowski told the media panel that Harper “didn’t have an elite season like he’s had in the past.” He also said he doesn’t know if Harper can “rise to the next level again.”

And after this brutal assessment from Dombrowski, Phillies insider Scott Lauber feels that those remarks may be true. “Fact: Harper faced a lower rate of strikes (43%) than any hitter in baseball last season. Another fact: Harper swung at 35.6% of pitches out of the strike zone, 129th among 144 qualified hitters and far above his career mark (29.3%), according to Statcast,” wrote Lauber.

The Phillies insider’s remarks seemed very direct and brutal. And of course, everybody has their opinions, but this was backed by stats, something that could concern the Phillies camp ahead of the 2026 season.

During the offseason, all the teams surely look to strengthen their roster. But in the case of the Philadelphia Phillies, they have missed out on several free agents. Take Bo Bichette, for example. The former Toronto Blue Jays player, who was almost confirmed to join the Phillies, had the New York Mets come in and take away Bichette right under their nose.

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However, this isn’t the only trade news surrounding the Phillies. As such, the Philadelphia-based team is seriously making some big noise in the offseason.

Phillies may open the door for Nick Castellanos

The tension is high because the Philadelphia Phillies are at a crossroads with an aging roster. Although that squad has made the playoffs three years in a row, it hasn’t won the World Series. Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and others in their 30s. This reliance on veterans raises concerns about performance declines and increased injuries.

Amid that, while they make attempts to get new signings, the Phillies are also seemingly clearing their roster. “The Phillies are likely to cut or release Nick Castellanos in the near future, rather than have him dealt or packaged in any trades,” MLB insider Alex Coll wrote on X.

Now, with Nick Castellanos‘ potential exit, who would fill his shoes? And as it seems, the Phillies already have a plan in motion. As such, Adolis García, brought in on a one-year deal, is expected to step into right field.

Interestingly, when we compare their stats, García may have the upper hand. The former Rangers player has one of the strongest arms of any outfielder in baseball. His arm strength is 91.9 mph, while Castellanos’ arm strength is 81.6 mph.

Amid all the misses in the trade window, García’s inclusion could be crucial to support a veteran like Bryce Harper. But how the season unfolds will be interesting to see. On that note, let us know your thoughts about the Phillies’ trade deals for the 2026 season in the comments below!