“Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer,” Dave Dombrowski said days after the Phillies’ postseason exit for Bryce Harper. The comment raised eyebrows across baseball. Now, a Phillies insider has dropped a bombshell that suggests the front office may have found their answer—and it’s not the one fans hoped for.

Harper, who signed his 13-year, $330 million deal with Philadelphia in 2019, delivered a forgettable performance in the NLDS. He batted just .200 with one extra-base hit as his team bowed out early. That raised questions on how the bat went cold when it mattered the most.

In the aftermath, Dombrowski didn’t mince words. He said, “When I think of Bryce Harper, you’re thinking elite, right? You’re thinking one of the top-10 players in baseball, and I don’t think it fits into that category. But again, very good player.”

Now his place in the clubhouse faces scrutiny despite years remaining on his deal.

Former Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. added fuel to the fire Wednesday during his 94 WIP Radio appearance. “You may see one of the big contracts moved,” Amaro said. “I’m not saying who. And I know there are many no-trade clauses. But you may see one of those big contracts get moved somehow, someway.” The timing couldn’t be more pointed.

Amaro’s comments suggest internal conversations have progressed beyond speculation. And if that happens, then which is the best team for him? The reports suggest it can be the Yankees.

Harper has a strong connection to the Yankees. Before joining the Philadelphia Phillies, he was interested in playing for the NYY, but the Yankees opted for Giancarlo Stanton instead.

With questions about their outfield depth, Harper’s left-handed bat could be beneficial. He can add strength to a sometimes stagnant lineup alongside Aaron Judge.

Recently, a social media post featuring Harper in a Yankees uniform went viral, humorously questioning what other mistakes the Yankees made by not signing him.

Well, this is the time the Yankees can reverse that. However, things won’t go that simply. There are still a lot of problems to deal with, such as Harper’s no-trade clauses, the hefty contract, and how much Philadelphia values youth and flexibility in a reset after 2025.

But the hint from the inside is clear: this isn’t just talk. Bryce Harper’s time with the Phillies may be coming to an end, and if it does, the Yankees might be ready to step in.

Can the league witness yet another surprising move after Rafael Devers? Well, only time will tell. However, as of now, for the Phillies, Bryce Harper isn’t the only All-Star whose position is under scrutiny; there are more.

Beyond Bryce Harper, Schwarber, and Castellanos are also facing uncertain futures

Bryce Harper may be the biggest name in trade talks with this latest update. But Philadelphia’s summer could be even more interesting. They could be looking at several All-Star veterans. Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos are two names that are coming up more and more in trade rumors.

Kyle Schwarber, a three-time All-Star who hit for power, is now a free agent and doesn’t know what will happen next. The Phillies need to decide whether to keep him at a premium cost or allocate money to other areas. Because he’s so valuable, teams might want to get him out or use him as a marquee bat, and Philadelphia might be willing to listen to proposals.

Nick Castellanos is another strong candidate. He used to be a reliable veteran in the outfield, but his poor 2025 season and big salary made him a good trade candidate. Reports say that the Phillies want to trade or perhaps cut him to make room on the roster.

So, Bryce Harper isn’t the only star whose future with the Phillies is up in the air. After another disappointing postseason, Philadelphia is looking for change, and Schwarber and Castellanos might no longer be seen in a Phillies jersey. If the clubhouse chooses to walk away from one or both of them, it might help the team’s finances and change the way they are going in 2026.