Bryce Harper under fire for postgame comments

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bryce Harper under fire for postgame comments

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 29, 2026 1:23 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies star first baseman Bryce Harper was in the headlines on Wednesday morning after his plea for help to the organization ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.

Harper's comment was not received well from Phillies brass, and they've put him a bit under fire in the day following the remark.

Don Mattingly sounds off on Harper

Philadelphia manager Don Mattingly was asked about Harper's comments ahead of Wednesday's game and his response certainly reflected some displeasure with his star.

"When you say something about our team, then you're saying something about one of our players that you don't like," Mattingly said, via reporter Tyler Boronski.

"When you say something about our team, then you're saying something about one of our players that you don't like."

Don Mattingly spoke at length about Bryce Harper's comments after last night's game.

(Via: @TylerBoronski) pic.twitter.com/lDXON0PVlk
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 29, 2026

Phillies postgame host sounds off on Bryce Harper as well

Harper's comments also irked the nerves of Phillies postgame host Michael Barkann, as he shared his opinion on Harper at the conclusion of Tuesday's game.

"This, from a player who's hitting .173 with two home runs, nine runs batted in and 28 strikeouts in the month of July," Barkann said.

Phillies postgame host Michael Barkann after Bryce Harper's quote about the team needing help...

"This, from a player who's hitting .173 with two home runs, nine runs batted in, and 28 strikeouts in the month of July." pic.twitter.com/5KUfaJPCxC
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 29, 2026

The July struggles are a real thing

Like Barkann mentioned, Harper has performed poorly in July. Prior to Wednesday's game, he'd posted a slash line of .165/.295/.316 in July, easily his worst stretch of the season.

Harper's season average has dropped from .275 to .251 during the stretch, and his OPS has lowered from .908 to .846 in that same span.

So, yes, it could be very much true that the Philadelphia lineup needs help to compete with elite pitching in October. It's also true, though, that Harper needs to carry his own weight and return to being a productive player.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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