Another quick postseason exit fueled some hubbub earlier this offseason in Philadelphia, when Dave Dombrowski questioned whether Bryce Harper could rise to a truly elite level again.

The stir has since quieted . Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, said he had a “nice conversation” with Harper, who was initially “hurt” by Dombrowski’s comments. This will soon be forgotten, especially by next season, when Harper is again the anchor of a Phillies team that expects to contend for a World Series.

Harper is also past the halfway point of the 13-year, $330 million contract he signed ahead of the 2019 season. He’s 33 now, and another critical year looms. Here are three reasons for optimism -- and three for concern -- for Harper heading into 2026.

OPTIMISM

He’s stil

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