MLB 2024 preview, part 2: NL East

 In part 1, we looked at the Mets' prospects for 2024. Now, let's consider the rest of the NL East.

Atlanta has won the last 5 division titles, but hasn't been able to get out of the divisional round, eliminated by Philadelphia in 2022-3. So, how do the Braves respond?

For starters (pun intended), Chris Sale comes over from Boston via free agency to anchor the rotation. Ian Anderson starts the season in the minors and would have to be re-added to the 40 man roster to be called up. The rotation figures to have some combination of Sale, Charlie Morton, Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and any number of candidates for the 5th slot, including Jackson Stephens, Hruscar Ynoa, and Bryce Elder. We will see Anderson in Atlanta soon enough. Luis Guillorme (Mets) adds some infield insurance, and this could come back to haunt the Mets, as Guillorme joins Travis d'Arnaud in Hot-lanta. Ex-Met farmhand Jarred Kelenic (Seattle) has had a rough go in spring training, and could start the season in the minors, which explains why the Braves brought back Adam Duvall (Boston).

As for the Phillies, Bryce Harper moving to 1st base made Rhys Hoskins expendable (Milwaukee). Shaker graduate Jeff Hoffman will be a mainstay in the bullpen. The Phillies added some infield insurance by picking up Roger Clemens' son, Kody (Detroit), and Whit Merrifield (Toronto), who likely can play 1st if Harper is injured. Ex-Brave Kolby Allard adds bullpen insurance, otherwise, the rest of the roster looks the same.

After acquiring AL batting champion Luis Arraez prior to last year, Miami dipped into the AL Central again, this time signing Tim Anderson away from the White Sox. Josh Bell has been here, there, and everywhere the last few years, acquired for Jean Segura back in August. Nick Gordon (Minnesota) reunites with Arraez, and is outfield insurance. Christian Bethancourt (Tampa Bay) returns to the NL East, where he began his career in Atlanta. 

In terms of pitching Miami must make do without Sandy Alcantara, out for the season due to Tommy John surgery. That's what will hurt the Marlins to the point where Arraez, Anderson, and friends will have to pick up the slack.

Washington waved the white flag early the last two seasons. Adding Joey Gallo (Minnesota), another travelin' man, isn't going to help. Gallo is listed as an outfielder, but figure on him playing a good chunk of time at 1st base. There's a reason he's moved around the last few years. Nick Senzel (Cincinnati) will try to provide the offense lost when Trea Turner left for Philadelphia after the 2022 season. Richard Bleier (Boston), he of the 3 balk at-bat vs. the Mets, returns to the division. That shouldn't give DC fans any confidence. Thing is, Bleier is a non-roster invitee, so he could end up starting the season in the minors, barring injuries to current players.

Projected order of finish:

1. Atlanta.

2. Philadelphia.

3. Mets.

4. Miami.

5. Washington.

Of course, I could be wrong.