Bryce Harper Praises Mets' Offseason Moves

Phillies star acknowledges NL East rivals have improved.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Bryce Harper, the star player for the Philadelphia Phillies, has spoken highly of the New York Mets' offseason moves, recognizing that the NL East division is becoming increasingly competitive. Harper admitted the Phillies are expected to win the division, but noted the Mets have improved by adding players like Freddy Peralta, while the Atlanta Braves will also be strong again this year.

Why it matters

Harper's comments show he is aware of the growing strength of the NL East, with the Mets and Braves posing serious challenges to the Phillies' divisional aspirations. This sets the stage for an intense battle atop the NL East in the upcoming season.

The details

In a recent interview, Harper acknowledged the Phillies are expected to win the NL East division, but said the Mets have improved by adding players like Freddy Peralta. He also noted the Braves will be strong again this year after getting some of their key players back. Harper said the NL East is a "juggernaut" and the Phillies will just have to focus on playing their game.

  • The 2026 MLB season is set to begin in the coming months.

The players

Bryce Harper

The star outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Freddy Peralta

A pitcher who the New York Mets acquired during the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“'Obviously, we're expected to win the [NL] East. I feel like it's that every single year. I'm not saying we're going to, but we're expected to do that. I want to. This team wants to. Obviously, the Mets got better, getting Freddy Peralta and a couple other guys on that club. The Braves are going to be really good again this year, getting a lot of their guys back. I feel like the East is a juggernaut. We've just got to play our game and understand we're a really good team.'”

— Bryce Harper (Sporting News)

The takeaway

Bryce Harper's comments highlight the growing competitiveness of the NL East division, with the Phillies, Mets, and Braves all poised to contend for the division title. This sets the stage for an exciting and hard-fought race atop the NL East in the upcoming MLB season.