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Bryce Harper Pushes Back Against Team USA Criticism Following WBC originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper stepped up to the mic this week to defend Team USA after its exit from the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Harper pushed back directly against claims that Team USA lacked effort or patriotism. “I think the worst notion that anybody had for Team USA is that we didn’t care, that we don’t care about our country, we didn’t play for our country or anything else like that,” Harper said, Per Phillies Nation's Ty Daubert. “And I said that before, so that’s farthest from the truth, obviously: Because a guy didn’t throw, he doesn’t love his country, or a guy didn’t throw, (so) we don’t care as much.”
Harper also voiced optimism about baseball's future on the global stage, hoping the sport returns to the Olympics in 2028 for even greater competition. His classy behavior after the loss to Venezuela (congratulating their players on the field) drew praise, reinforcing his reputation as a leader who respects the game and his opponent.
Now, Harper hopes to have a productive 2026 MLB season.
In 2025, Harper hit .261 with 27 home runs and 75 RBI.
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