Felger & Massarotti BONUS: Bryce Harper & Aaron Judge UNDER the MICROSCOPE in 2026 - Breaking Balls with Tony Mazz
Mar 26, 2026
Hot MLB storylines get the spotlight: Bryce Harper's 2025 performance and a public spat with Dave Dombrowski. A look at Detroit's rotation boost after signing Framber Valdez. Aaron Judge's legacy debate centers on whether he can deliver a championship. Three major 2026 narratives are highlighted for fans to watch.
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Bryce Harper Has Been Great But Not Consistently Elite
- Tony Massarotti argues Bryce Harper remains a quality player but hasn't consistently matched the elite expectations from his early career.
- Over 14 seasons Harper has two MVPs but only two top-five MVP finishes and limited run-production metrics like just two 100-RBI seasons and three 100-run seasons.
Dombrowski Publicly Questioned Harper's Return To Elite Form
- Massarotti recounts the public spat tone between Bryce Harper and Dave Dombrowski after Dombrowski questioned whether Harper would return to elite form.
- He quotes Dombrowski saying Harper is "still a quality player" but uncertain to reach top-10 status again.
Harper Struggled In High Leverage RISP Situations In 2025
- Massarotti highlights Harper's situational struggles, pointing to weak RISP numbers in 2025 as evidence he didn't perform in high-leverage spots.
- Example: with RISP and two outs in 2025 Harper hit .172 with a .575 OPS, which Massarotti calls "the money at bat."