The Philadelphia Phillies snapped the Atlanta Braves' string of NL East titles in 2024, but were eliminated in the division round by the Mets, the last team to end a string of Atlanta division titles in 2006. However, the Phillies, who haven't won a title in 16 years, have an albatross that could keep them from winning another title. More on that later.
For the Braves to reclaim the division, they need outfielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. and pitcher Ian Anderson to be completely healthy. Anderson appears to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery 2 years ago. The Braves, more concerned with Acuna, acquired Bryan De La Cruz from Miami as insurance. Assuming Anderson makes it back to Atlanta, he'll join a rotation quite different from when he was sent to Gwinnett 3 years ago. Max Fried is in New York (Yankees). Mike Soroka has made his way back to the division (Washington) after pitching for the White Sox last year. The new ace is Chris Sale, and Anderson figures to slot in as a #4 or #5 starter behind Sale, Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and prospect Spencer Schwellenbach.
Atlanta also acquired Jurickson Profar (San Diego), a former infielder who could move back in, a la Mookie Betts, if Ozzie Albies gets hurt again.
As for the Phillies, they were so sure they'd win the Pete Alonso sweepstakes in free agency, such that Bryce Harper, who converted to a 1st baseman due to injury, was willing to find another position. Harper, still looking for his first championship, is showing signs of maturity, if only it would show when he loses his temper over questionable strike calls. Alonso re-upped with the Mets, so Harper is set at 1st for the duration. Filling a need in the outfield, Philadelphia brought in Max Kepler (Minnesota), and signed Jesus Luzardo away from Miami to help shore up the pitching.
Harper could've been a champion if he'd stayed in Washington one extra year, but the Nationals haven't been the same since that 2019 title run. Former closer Sean Doolittle is now a "pitching strategist", which is something the stat geeks might understand. The biggest changes seem to be in the infield, where Washington brought in Nathaniel Lowe (Texas), Amed Rosario (finished 2024 in Cincinnati), and Paul DeJong (Kansas City), while welcoming back Josh Bell after he spent last year in Arizona. Add in rookie Darren Baker, the son of former player & manager Dusty Baker, and the Nats have plenty of pieces, but only 4 infield slots for starters.
Not impressed with the pitching after Jake Irvin was roasted by the Mets in a preseason game last week. The lack of depth on the mound could hurt more than help.
Speaking of help, Miami needs plenty of it, and it could lead to another pitcher from the 518 making it to "The Show". Amsterdam grad Dale Stanavich was invited to camp. Depending on how well he's done, he could be in the bigs before the year is out. Meanwhile, the Marlins reeled in Jonah Bride (Texas) and Matt Mervis (Cubs) to help in the infield, but losing De La Cruz, arguably their best outfielder last year, and Luzardo will be a problem. Sandy Alcantara is back after missing last season, but the rotation otherwis doesn't scare.
Projected order of finish:
1. Atlanta.
2. Mets.
3. Philadelphia.
3. (tie) Washington.
5. Miami.
Of course, I could be wrong.
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