MLB Makes Bryce Harper Announcement on Monday

The Philadelphia Phillies will head into the 2026 MLB season with a familiar core that has defined the franchise over the past half decade, even after missing out on infielder Bo Bichette in free agency.

That group is anchored by first baseman Bryce Harper, who is entering his eighth season in Philadelphia.

The 33-year-old left-handed slugger is running out of time to deliver a championship, and there is growing uncertainty over how long the Phillies can maintain their run atop the National League East after consecutive division titles that ended in early playoff exits.

In 2025, Harper posted a .261 batting average, .357 on-base percentage, .844 OPS, 27 home runs and 75 RBIs across 132 games, remaining a central force in the lineup despite the team’s October frustrations.

Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3)© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Harper’s production, while still elite, has dipped from the MVP-level heights that once defined his prime seasons. That decline was reflected when MLB Network unveiled its Top 100 Players Right Now list, with Harper appearing earlier than usual at No. 32 on Monday.

MLB highlighted his placement in an announcement on X. “No. 33: Pete Alonso, No. 32: Bryce Harper, No. 31: Matt Olson Three first basemen fill out Nos. 40-31 on @MLBNetwork’s #Top100RightNow,” the league wrote.

Despite the slide from No. 12 last year, Harper’s ranking remains a remarkable achievement. This marks his 14th consecutive year earning a spot on the list, a streak that underscores both his consistency and his ability to remain among the game’s best well into the later stages of his career.

It also represents his 13th straight finish inside the top 50, a rare feat that speaks to his longevity and sustained impact.

While his numbers may no longer match the peak MVP campaigns of his past, Harper’s continued presence in the upper tier of the rankings is a testament to his value and reputation as one of baseball’s most accomplished hitters.

Bryce Harper’s Legacy Meets New Challenges

His career accomplishments add further weight to his legacy. He is a two-time National League MVP, a Rookie of the Year, an eight-time All-Star and a four-time Silver Slugger. Few players in modern baseball can match that combination of accolades and sustained excellence.

Still, Harper has shown he is aware of the conversation surrounding his decline. This winter he wore a shirt with the phrase “Not Elite,” a nod to the chatter about his slipping production, notably from Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski.

As the Phillies chase the championship that has eluded them, Harper’s drive to silence doubts and deliver in 2026 could be the defining storyline of their season.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

MLB Makes Bryce Harper Announcement on Monday

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