* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

Repeating as World Series champions is always difficult, but it will be interesting to see if they do so without Freddie Freeman.

2. New York Mets

They spent a lot of money acquiring many players, but if deGrom isn’t healthy it won’t matter in the end.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Their lineup got a lot better and their bullpen looks much better than in years past.

4. Miami Marlins

Pitching is still a strength for them, but I’m not sure if their lineup is good enough to get past other Wild Card contenders.

5. Washington Nationals

It’s gonna be another rough year, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

Player to Watch: 1B Matt Olson – Atlanta Braves

Best Acquisition: P Max Scherzer – New York Mets

New Kid on the Block: P Edward Cabrera – Miami Marlins

Continue reading →

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

Their depth will be tested this year, but they are the team to beat in the NL East.

2. New York Mets

With their new owner in place they are built to win now and for the near future as well.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Bringing in Dave Dombrowski to run the front office means they won’t be penny pinching and want to win now.

4. Miami Marlins

In a full 162-game season it will be harder to clinch a Wild Card spot, but don’t be surprised if they do.

5. Washington Nationals

Last season was a disaster and while they should be better this year, the rest of the division got better.

Player to Watch: OF Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves

Best Acquisition: SS Francisco Lindor – New York Mets

New Kid on the Block: P Sixto Sanchez – Miami Marlins Continue reading →

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

They have stiff competition to repeat as division champs, but they have more elite talent at key positions than their division rivals.

2. Washington Nationals

Not having Anthony Rendon in the middle of their lineup will hurt, but their pitching staff as why they won the World Series last year.

3. New York Mets

Having the designated hitter the entire 60-game season plus the Postseason will benefit the Mets if they should make it to October.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

Their bullpen will be their downfall once again. Will they learn that lesson in the offseason?

5. Miami Marlins

The massive rebuild continues with some interesting pitching prospects starting to emerge.

Player to Watch: P Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals

Best Acquisition: OF Marcell Ozuna – Atlanta Braves

New Kid on the Block: INF Carter Kieboom – Washington Nationals Continue reading →