* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

A stellar lineup that gets bolstered with the addition of Sean Murphy and a deep pitching staff bodes well for them in October.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Losing Rhys Hoskins for the season will be noticeable, but adding Trea Turner should help offset that injury.

3. New York Mets

If their closer Edwin Diaz did not have a season ending injury in the World Baseball Classic, they would be a contender for the division. A Wild Card spot is still within reach with this group they’ve assembled.

4. Miami Marlins

Outside of Sandy Alcantara, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Luis Arraez, there ins’t much here in terms of being contenders.

5. Washington Nationals

Yes, the return they got for Juan Soto at last years trade deadline was good, but this is going to be a rough year for this franchise.

Player to Watch: P Sandy Alcantara – Miami Marlins

Best Acquisition: SS Trea Turner – Philadelphia Phillies

New Kid on the Block: C Francisco Alvarez – New York Mets

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* – 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

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* – 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 →