Big 3 Sports Blog

In 2019, this Division featured the 2^nd best team in the National League as well as the World Series winner, and was the only Division to have 4 teams at .500 or better.  Most balanced Division in baseball.  Aside from the Marlins, this Division had a lot of offseason player movement.  Did it make them better or worse though, we will find out.  So what does this upcoming season look like for each team?  Let’s have a look.

Miami Marlins
When I was doing my AL East preview, I said the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Rays were both no-name, starless teams…man, they have nothing on the Marlins.  I can’t say I have ever seen a more random team in my life.  Reminds me of the Cleveland Indians in Major League!  “Nobody recognizes us - not even in our own hometown.”  So with that said, coming off a 57-105 season (worst in the NL) and no notable additions, I can’t help but think it’ll be more of the same in 2020.  Luckily they don’t have to worry about losing their fan base…

Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies landed the biggest free agency prize before last season, inking Bryce Harper to a $330 million contract.  Despite that, they finished 4^th in the Division, 16 games out of 1^st Place, and 8 games out of the last Wild Card spot.  They upgraded again this season, signing SS Didi Gregorius and starter Zach Wheeler as free agents.  Their starting rotation is accomplished, with Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Jake Arietta, but is that enough to overcome their offensive woes?  They were in the lower half of MLB in both HRs and Batting Average last season (no player batter over .280).  As an older, veteran team, I’ll be curious to see how they handle this season if they get off to a slow start.  Fire sale?  Might be a rough season in Philadelphia.

New York Mets
After deciding not to unload players at the trade deadline last season, the Mets made a somewhat surprising run at a Wild Card spot.  They come into 2020 with mostly the same team, with their only key free agent loss being Zack Wheeler.  They added Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha, which rounds out a pitching staff that already includes Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Marcus Stroman.  One of the deeper staffs in baseball.  On offense, they have some pop (and a lot of strikeouts) with Pete Alonso and Michael Conforto.  If they can generate some offense outside of those guys, with this pitching staff, they should be in the Wild Card hunt.

Washington Nationals
The Nationals captured the Wild Card spot last season, and rode that pitching staff all the way to a World Championship.  And with the exception of Anthony Rendon, they have basically the same team back this season.  Their pitching staff is arguably the best in baseball, led by stars Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer, and they signed Will Harris to bolster their bullpen (which was much needed).  The offense has a nice mix of youth and experience, but the question is how big will the loss of Rendon be?  He was without a doubt their best hitter last season, and was also their team leader.  I expect 21-year old Juan Soto to be even better this season, but a couple others will need to step up.  Will it be Victor Robles or Trea Turner, or will it be Rendon’s replacement Carter Kieboom?  Going to have to be one of those guys.  Either way, with this pitching staff, the Nationals should make it to the Playoffs again in 2020.  National League Wild Card participant

Atlanta Braves
The Braves are the 2-time reigning NL East Champion, but had a lot of player movement this offseason.  They lost several players in free agency, notably slugger Josh Donaldson and veteran pitcher Dallas Keuchel, but were able to add Marcell Ozuna, Travis d’Arnaud, Cole Hamels, and Will Smith.  Their offense should be outstanding, led by Freddie Freeman and youngsters Ronald Acuna, Jr. (future MVP) and Ozzie Albies.  The pitching staff should be solid, with Mike Soroka and Max Fried coming back and the addition of Hamels.  If Mike Foltynewicz and Kyle Wright are serviceable, that should be good enough.  I think their performance will be the difference between a 3^rd consecutive Division Title, or a battle for a Wild Card.

Aside from the Marlins and the Phillies, I think the other 3 teams have a shot at the Division title.  The Mets probably aren’t quite there yet, so will it be the defending NL East Champion, or the defending World Series Champion?  I think the Nationals are built for the postseason, and the Braves are built for a 162 game season.  National League East Winner – Atlanta Braves

Now, tell me what you think!!!

Like this article?  Share it on Twitter or Facebook.  Like us?  Follow us on Twitter (@big3sportsblog1) or like our Facebook page (@big3sportsblog).  Not a fan?  Tell us why!