NL East Preview

We’ve finally made it back to the east coast and thus our last preview is here. As always if you’ve missed the other previews they can be found here. The NL East has made headlines in the off-season the last few years and this one was no different. The team grabbing the most headlines this year are the New York Mets. Now winning in the offseason doesn’t always mean winning on the field just ask the Phillies. So let’s jump in and see how they might stack up.

Atlanta Braves

You can add this to the list of sports heartbreaks this city has suffered, but this team was up 3-1 in the NLCS last year. One game away from their first World Series appearance since 1999 and they couldn’t get it done. Whether or not that pain will motivate them to new heights or ultimately begin their downfall remains to be seen. What we do know for sure is that no other team has won this division more than the Braves. That includes their feat of winning the division each of the last three seasons.

Their lineup features the deadly one-two punch of Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies who are both under the age of 25. Youngster Austin Riley and top prospect Cristian Pache are two guys also looking to make an impact on this team. On the other end, Marcell Ozuna and Freddie Freeman are the veteran players that will be looked on to make sure this isn’t a down season. One also can’t forget to mention former number one overall pick, Dansby Swanson. Safe to say this Atlanta lineup is stacked and eager to mash.

Growing up, Atlanta was always known for their world-class pitching. This team in a funny way has flipped from the glory days of Tom Glavine and Mike Maddox. While their pitching staff isn’t terrible, it’s clear that hitting is ultimately what is going to carry this team. Max Fried is a solid starter, but he’s no ace, and Atlanta is still hoping that Mike Soroka can fulfill his potential. Atlanta has chosen to go veteran heavy in their starting rotation in hopes that they can eat enough innings to be successful. Will Smith headlines a bullpen tasked with closing out games. I fully expect Atlanta to make a return to the playoffs and possibly win their fourth straight division title.

New York Mets

If you live on the east coast and have been wondering why there’s recently been more energy in the air that would be the Mets fanbase actually being excited about their franchise after years of misery. Since 2000 the Mets have only won the division twice (2015 they won the division and made it to the world series before losing to KC). But times may be changing as the Mets have a new owner and they have made it their mission to make the Mets a premier franchise.

I mentioned the Mets making the biggest splash this offseason and that splash was acquiring Francisco Lindor from Cleveland. He’s one of the few franchise changers in the game and immediately makes the Mets a more desirable destination. He will anchor a lineup that badly needed a centerpiece to elevate their overall potential. Pete Alonso and Michael Conforto will help in the power department, while guys like Jeff McNeil and Dominic Smith will keep pitchers honest. The lineup was solid before, but Lindor could turn this lineup into a very good one.

The Mets have arguably the best pitcher in baseball as their ace. Jacob deGrom has won the Cy Young award two of the last three seasons and is among the favorites to win another one this season. He obviously headlines a rotation that used to be the envy of the league. While the rotation isn’t as good anymore there are still some quality arms there. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman form a solid trio with deGrom that should produce results. The bullpen can rely on Edwin Diaz as long as he regains the form he had when he played for Seattle. If he can be the shutdown closer the Mets need him to be, this team will definitely be in the playoff hunt.

Washington Nationals

It’s crazy how fast things change in sports. Three years ago Bryce Harper left and signed with division rivals Philadelphia. The very next season the Nationals won the World Series and had sights on potentially becoming a dynasty. Fast forward to the present and now they are slotted in as the third-best team in their division. While everyone will have their eyes on the top two teams, Washington could quietly surprise some people. Remember, this team didn’t win the division when they finally won the World Series.

Washington was busy this offseason although they didn’t make a flashy move such as trading for Lindor. But new additions Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber will add some power to their lineup. Juan Soto is the centerpiece of this lineup as he has the potential to become the next superstar. The kid can flat-out hit and he should be in line for some individual awards throughout his career. Some other guys that should help this team would be Trea Turner, Victor Robles, and Ryan Zimmerman.

Pitching is clearly this team’s strong suit as they could potentially have the best rotation in the league. Max Scherzer is among the league’s best pitcher and should continue that status this year. Stephen Strasburg is one of the game’s most dangerous pitchers as well, but can’t stay healthy. His inability to stay healthy has stopped him from being in the conversation of best pitchers. If he can stay on the field the rotation will get a huge boost. Old reliable Brad Hand will be tasked with shutting games down for the Nationals. If fortune favors Washington in terms of health then this team has every chance at making a playoff push.

Philadelphia Phillies

The signing of Bryce Harper was supposed to be the dawn of a new era for the Phillies. An era filled with division titles and becoming a mainstay in the playoffs. But alas things haven’t gone according to plan. Philadelphia hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2011 which is also the last time they won the division. Such a drought could be the reason for the Harper signing, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem likely it’s going to end this season.

Harper obviously is the anchor to this lineup that has seen a lot of change over the last few years.  Adding Didi Gregorius can help ease the load off of Harper. While guys like Rhys Hopkins and Jean Segura will be hoping to get to their better days. Once upon a time having Andrew McCutchen in your lineup was a big deal. Unfortunately, he is past his prime and doesn’t present the danger he once had. Alec Bohm is someone to keep an eye on as this season and could be the year he announces himself.

Aaron Nola leads the Phillies rotation that screams hit or miss. Zack Wheeler, Zach Eflin, Matt Moore, and Chase Anderson are all guys who can be really good, but also can give up runs for fun. Whether or not they can give the Phillies consistent production is anyone’s guess. It however will determine if this team can sneak into the playoff race or spend another October watching the playoffs. Philadelphia can however rely on their bullpen as Hector Neris and Archie Bradley are some reliable options to close games. Don’t expect the Phillies to end their playoff drought this season.

Miami Marlins

Is there a more abnormal franchise than the Miami Marlins? For the first time in their history, they failed to win the World Series when they made the playoffs last season. It’s remarkable that in their entire history they have only made the playoffs three times, yet they’ve won two championships. Even more remarkable the Marlins have done this without ever winning the division. Perhaps no team benefited more from the shortened season than the Marlins. Had there been a normal season the Marlins without question would not have been anywhere near the playoffs.

This lineup has a blend of prospects, that the organization hopes will form their future core and guys who are on the wrong side of their prime. Brian Anderson is the prized hitter in this lineup as he’s most likely to be the team’s all-star. Corey Dickerson, Adam Duvall, and Starling Marte add experience and stability in the outfield. The name to watch early on is Isan Diaz as he should get plenty of chances to establish himself.

On the pitching side, Miami appears to be embracing a youth movement. Sandy Alcantara is projected to be the ace of a staff that doesn’t have anyone over the age of 25. Of course, such a strategy will come with its fair share of growing pains. But the experience in itself could prove to be very valuable when Miami starts becoming competitive again. Pablo Lopez will be the pitcher I’d keep my eye on as he could eventually become the guy in Miami. More likely than not the Marlins will implement a closer by committee plan to finish out games. Last year was a fun ride, but don’t expect the Marlins to be anywhere near as successful as they were last season. Instead, focus on the young up-and-coming players this season.