Introduction

As Major League Baseball gears up for the 2026 season, significant pressure is mounting on several high-profile players and their respective teams. A recent survey conducted by The Athletic indicated that Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, and Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres are among those feeling the most heat. With team executives, managers, coaches, and scouts weighing in, the results highlight the intense expectations these stars face as they enter a pivotal season.

The Phillies: Aging Stars Under Pressure

The Philadelphia Phillies emerged as the team facing the most pressure, with their core group receiving 18 votes in the survey. The primary concern among executives is the age of the Phillies' roster, especially among their star players. Last season, the Phillies had the sixth-oldest opening day roster, averaging 30.17 years old, which raises questions about the team's longevity and competitiveness going forward.

Notable players such as Bryce Harper, who is turning 32, and new addition Adolis Garcia, also approaching 33, are joined by key contributors like Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Taijuan Walker, all of whom are over 30. While the team has seen a steady increase in win totals since 2021, their postseason results have been disappointing, with an unfortunate trend of regression: from the World Series in 2022 to exits in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) in 2023, and sequentially in the National League Division Series (NLDS) in 2024 and 2025.

One executive expressed concern over this trajectory, likening the situation to Dave Dombrowski's time with the Detroit Tigers. The need for a successful turnaround is critical, particularly as the Phillies face scrutiny regarding their strategy and lineup adjustments.

The Yankees: A Legacy of Expectation

The New York Yankees also featured prominently in the survey, receiving 10 votes tied to ongoing expectations that accompany the franchise's rich history and legacy. An executive noted that the Yankees are routinely under pressure due to their storied history, reflected in the iconic 27 championship banners hanging at Yankee Stadium. The franchise's last title came in 2009, leading to a growing urgency to deliver a championship once again.

Despite reaching the playoffs eight times in the past nine years, the Yankees only managed one World Series appearance during that stretch, losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. There are concerns that the team might not be fully capitalizing on Aaron Judge’s extraordinary talents; Judge has accumulated three 10-WAR seasons over the last four years, outpacing both Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani when considering their entire careers.

Offseason moves have centered on bringing back Cody Bellinger with a lucrative five-year deal, while the Yankees are also looking forward to the return of key players who were sidelined due to injury. However, much like the Phillies, the Yankees see their core aging; Judge will turn 34 this April, with players like Stanton and Cole also facing injury histories.

Padres: An Organization at a Crossroads

The San Diego Padres, represented by Manny Machado, received significant attention in the survey, accruing eight votes. The organization itself garnered 12 votes, underscoring the assessment that it finds itself at a critical juncture. Executives pointed to the Padres' high future commitments, a top-heavy roster, and lack of depth as major concerns. This puts tremendous pressure on the front office led by general manager A.J. Preller, who has been known for his aggressive trade strategies.

Since reaching the NL Championship Series in 2022, the Padres have only secured one playoff series win over the last three seasons. Meanwhile, Machado, once a strong MVP candidate, has seen his performance decline, recording a sub-.800 OPS every season since 2023. With a contract that extends through 2033, the trajectory of his performance could have long-lasting implications for the team's success.

Conclusion

The 2026 season promises to be crucial for the likes of Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Manny Machado, as each faces not only the weight of their respective legacies but also the pressing demands of their franchises. As teams assess rickety rosters and aging players, the question looms: can these stars thrive under the pressure, or will they further complicate their team's postseason aspirations? As the new season unfolds, the answers will be revealed on the diamond, where hope and urgency collide.