Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals won only 82 matches with Bryce Harper last season. It seems inevitable he will become an ex-Nat.
However, the additions of Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough deepened the casting staff about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. People of Brian Dozier, Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki and Matt Adams did the same for the crime.
Meanwhile, the top prospect Victor Robles is standing by to fulfill Harper’s shoes. Fellow young outfielder Juan Soto can become a celebrity after attaining historic success for a teenager.
The National League East is too deep for any team to acquire much more than 90 games. However, the Nats have the best chance of reaching that threshold and therefore the best chance of winning the division.
Playoff opportunities: 60 percent
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves won the NL East last year precisely because they took advantage of their division’s flaws with a 49-27 record. That won’t happen again in 2019.
The Braves fostered their veteran depth by bringing in Josh Donaldson and Brian McCann and re-signing Nick Markakis, but they could still use a rookie (e.g., Dallas Keuchel) and/or tried-and-true relief genius (e.g., Craig Kimbrel).
Instead, they appear content to bet on their young talent. That is insecure yet not entirely unreasonable. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies can be the National League’s response to Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, and contained within the team’s No. 2 farm system is MLB-ready pitching galore.
The wild-card race won’t necessarily be present to grab the Braves–or some other NL East group –if they fall short from the division. But they can manage competing with all the Nats.
Playoff chances: 50 percent
New York Mets
Even the New York Mets could have ripped down it after dropping 85 matches this past year. Rather, they hired a new general manager and went all-out to add depth and stars to the roster.
For an offense that scored only 4.2 runs per match in 2018: Robinson Cano, Wilson Ramos, Jed Lowrie and Keon Broxton. To get a pitching staff that was too reliant on Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler: Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia and Justin Wilson.
Questions remain about how the Mets are going to match all their offensive pieces together. There’s also still lingering doubt about a defense that’s been a weakness for years.
But altogether, the Mets must be right there with the Braves in pushing the Nats for the NL East crown.
Playoff opportunities: 50 percent
Philadelphia Phillies
Everything will change if the Philadelphia Phillies stop dilly-dallying and bring Harper aboard. Adding the 2015 NL MVP will boost their upside tremendously.
To their credit, the Phillies have already greatly enhanced a roster that produced 80 wins last season. Specifically, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura will enhance both the offense and a defense that struggled in 2018. For his part, David Robertson should stabilize the bullpen.
Yet some concerns persist. There’s a drop-off at the turning following Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Likewise, there’s a drop-off in offensive upside following the new improvements and incumbent slugger Rhys Hoskins.
So at least till Harper is in the fold, the Phillies would be the fourth-best team from the NL East.
Playoff chances: 40 percent
Miami Marlins
And then there are the Miami Marlins, that are going into 2019 as the black sheep of the NL East.
With Realmuto gone, Miami’s continuing rebuild has rendered the significant league roster without any stars. But given that the team’s farm system just checks in at No. 25 in MLB, further trimming through the trade market is inevitable.
It is hard to go backward by a 98-loss season, but the Marlins should do exactly that in 2019.
Playoff chances: 0%

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