Rangers should be very intrigued by Phillies-Bryce Harper relationship imploding

Bryce Harper has finally responded to Philadelphia Phillies president Dave Dombrowski's offseason "not elite" comment regarding the two-time National League MVP.

Many players would ignore a comment like that from their team's president. But not Harper, an eight-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger and NLCS MVP.

Even with the public feud between Harper and Dombrowski, it'd be a complete shock if Harper were traded anytime soon. He is one of the most important players on the Phillies, a team many view as a 2026 World Series contender. Even though the first baseman had a down year in 2025 by his standards, he still had a great season, posting 3.1 bWAR and a .261/.357/.487 (129 OPS+) slash line with 27 homers and 75 RBI.

But let's say the Phillies unexpectedly struggle in 2026 and Dombrowski realizes the World Series window for the current core has passed. If that's the case, and Harper is willing to waive his full no-trade clause to go to a contender, then a trade this summer or next offseason is a possibility. One team that should target Harper if he is made available is the Texas Rangers.

Could the Rangers acquire future Hall-of-Famer Bryce Harper from the Phillies?

While Harper, 33, is signed through the 2031 season, the Rangers still may consider trading for him if he is available. He's owed roughly $26 million annually through the remainder of his contract. That's a lot of money, but not for a player of Harper's caliber. With Jake Burger slated to be Texas' starting first baseman after a rough 2025 season, replacing him with Harper could make the Rangers a much stronger team.

The Rangers aren't afraid to have stars under contract into their late 30s. Jacob deGrom is signed through his age-39 season (2027) and has a club option for 2028, and Corey Seager will be 37 when his current contract is completed in 2031. Therefore, it's safe to say Texas would be willing to have Harper through his late 30s, if ownership is willing to take on the cost.

The Rangers are a very left-handed-heavy hitting team, with Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Josh Smith, Evan Carter and Joc Pederson all being left-handed hitters. Still, Harper is the kind of player a team should be willing to add without worrying about having too many lefties in the lineup. He hits both righties and lefties well and should be in Cooperstown one day. Seeing Harper in a lineup with Seager and Nimmo would be exciting for Rangers fans and give them hope that Texas could win its second World Series in franchise history soon.