Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper makes Atlanta Braves admission heading into 2026 MLB season

Bryce Harper isn’t overlooking anyone in the National League East, especially the teams that he knows have a chance to win it all.

While discussing expectations for the Philadelphia Phillies entering the 2026 season, the two-time MVP made it known that winning the division remains a goal. At the same time, he also knows how good the fully reloaded Atlanta Braves roster is.

“Obviously, we’re expected to win the [NL] East,” Harper said, per Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. “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.”

Harper’s comments highlight the respect Philadelphia has for Atlanta, and it’s something it should have. Injuries have derailed the Braves' seasons over the past few years, but they’re still loaded with talent.

Still, his focus remained on what the Phillies can do. The Phillies believe their own roster is built to compete with the best of them, and perhaps even more as they’re looking to win it all.

More MLB news:

• Philadelphia Phillies bust Nick Castellanos finally had encouraging words after being released
• Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. says what every Toronto fan wants to hear
• Los Angeles Dodgers trade pitch moves six players for best pitcher in Major League Baseball
• Seattle Mariners trade pitch sends Bryce Miller to NL contender for $80 million infielder and top-15 prospect
• Boston Red Sox trade idea sends Brayan Bello to AL contender for 27-year-old two-time All-Star
• Boston Red Sox trade proposal moves on from Jarren Duran and also lands a much needed third baseman