US EditionPhillies Favored Again to Win the NL East
The Mets traded fan favorites and added multiple new starters after missing playoffs, while Phillies rely on returning core and top prospects to maintain NL East dominance.
- Earlier this year, the Philadelphia Phillies returned key pieces including Kyle Schwarber and three-time All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto after repeating as NL East champion.
- To remake the club, New York traded prospects and signed new starters after the Mets faded and missed the playoffs last year, Stearns said.
- Touted prospect Andrew Painter is expected to claim a roster spot while Justin Crawford could earn a center-field opportunity, and Luke Weaver provides Triple-A depth for the bullpen.
- Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski questioned whether Bryce Harper can return to peak form as Philadelphia Phillies chase their first World Series since 2008.
- The Braves enter the season hampered by suspensions and injuries, including Jurickson Profar's season suspension, Joey Wentz's knee injury, two starters on the 60-day injured list, and Sean Murphy opening without full health.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Associated Press News
NL East Preview: Phillies bring back core as they try to hold off new-look Mets, banged-up Braves
Still powered by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, the Philadelphia Phillies are bringing back mostly the same team that won its second consecutive NL East title last season and made a fourth straight playoff appearance.
Philadelphia Phillies 2026 Season Preview
Are the Philadelphia Phillies running it back or actually different in 2026? AJ Pierzynski, Erik Kratz, and Scott Braun break down the roster changes, expectations, and why this team still has World Series pressure. They discuss key names like Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Jesús Luzardo, and top prospects like Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford, plus how the Phillies stack up against the New York Mets and Atlanta Brave…
Still driven by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper, Philadelphia's Filis practically bring in the same team that won their second consecutive East National League title last season and made their fourth appearance followed by the playoffs.
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