There is once again a clear favorite in the NL East this year. But, how will the other teams in the division fare this year?
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We have already looked at the AL West, AL East, AL Central, and NL West … Now we turn our attention to NL East.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals have been in rebuild mode for a couple of years now having dealt Trea Turner and Juan Soto. They are not ready to contend but have a few young players worth watching. Shortstop CJ Abrams needs to be more consistent at the plate. Keibert Ruiz has a ton of potential – I’m looking for him to have a solid season. However, the players I’m really looking forward to watching at some point this year are James Wood and Dylan Crews who are two of the game’s most promising prospects. The Nationals should be well out of playoff contention by the summer so Wood and Crews should get plenty of opportunity at the big league level.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins have some stars in Jazz Chisholm and Luis Arraez but they lack the depth to truly contend. The Marlins brought in veteran shortstop Tim Anderson, formally with the Chicago White Sox. I’m curious what kind of season he will have with his new club. The Marlins pitching is promising led by youngster Eury Perez and Jesus Luzardo, but they are not yet proven or established. I’m picking the Marlins to finish 4th in the division.
New York Mets
The Mets are an interesting team. I am curious what they do with slugger Pete Alonso. Alonso is set to become a free agent at the end of the year, but the Mets will likely be in a wild card race so they may find it difficult to deal him on or near the deadline. Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor are veterans that round out the lineup. A player to watch is catcher Francisco Alvarez who has raw power but struggles with contact. I am a tad concerned with the starting rotation but the Mets have an offense that can score runs. I’m picking them to finish 3rd in the division.
Philadelphia Phillies
You can never count out a team with Bryce Harper. If Harper stays healthy, he will once again be at the top of NL MVP ballots. The rest of the lineup is solid with Trea Turner and Nick Castellanos. I’m looking for third baseman Alec Bohm to take another step in his development. The Phillies rotation is near the top of the league led by Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola. I don’t think the Phillies are able to hang with the Braves but I’m picking them to finish 2nd in the division.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves are the clear favorites to win the division. They have solid pitching and a dangerous lineup led by Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. The Braves also added outfielder Jarred Kelenic in the offseason in a trade with the Seattle Mariners. He is the one player I will have my eye on this year. He was once the top rated prospect in all of baseball and I think a change of scenery does him well. Surrounded by the rest of the lineup, Kelenic could develop into an all-star within a couple years. I’m predicting Riley and Acuna both have great seasons and are in contention for NL MVP honors. The Braves have their sights set higher than the division crown – its World Series or bust.
Who do you think will win the NL East? Comment below!
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