Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals won only 82 matches with Bryce Harper last year. It appears inevitable he’ll develop into an ex-Nat.
However, the developments of Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough deepened the pitching team about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. People of Brian Dozier, Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki and Matt Adams did exactly the same for the offense.
Meanwhile, the top prospect Victor Robles is standing by to fill Harper’s shoes. Fellow young outfielder Juan Soto can become a superstar after attaining historic success for a teenager.
The National League East is too heavy for any group to win considerably more than 90 games. However, the Nats have the best chance of accomplishing 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 weaknesses with a 49-27 record. That won’t occur 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 starter (e.g., Dallas Keuchel) and/or tried-and-true relief genius (e.g., Craig Kimbrel).
Rather, they seem content to bet on their young talent. That is insecure yet not completely unreasonable. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies can be the National League’s response to Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, and included inside the group’s No. 2 farm process is MLB-ready pitching galore.
The wild-card race will not necessarily be there to grab the Braves–or any other NL East group –if they fall short from the branch. However they can handle competing with the Nats.
Playoff opportunities: 50 percent
New York Mets
The New York Mets could have torn down it after dropping 85 matches this past year. Instead, they hired a new general manager and moved all-out to include depth and stars to the roster.
For an offense that scored just 4.2 runs per game in 2018: Robinson Cano, Wilson Ramos, Jed Lowrie and Keon Broxton. For a pitching staff which 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 fit all their offensive bits together. There’s also still lingering doubt about a defense that has been a weakness for years.
But completely, 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 finally bring Harper aboard. Adding the 2015 NL MVP will improve their upside tremendously.
To their credit, the Phillies have greatly improved a roster that produced 80 wins last season. In particular, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura will enhance both an offense and a defense that fought in 2018. For his part, David Robertson should stabilize the bullpen.
Yet some issues persist. There is a drop-off at the turning following Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Likewise, there is a drop-off in offensive upside after the newest additions and incumbent slugger Rhys Hoskins.
So at least until Harper is at 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 since the clear black sheep of the NL East.
Together with Realmuto gone, Miami’s ongoing rebuild has rendered the significant league roster without any stars. But given the team’s farm system just checks in at No. 25 at MLB, further trimming through the trade market is inevitable.
It is difficult to go backward by a 98-loss season, but the Marlins should do precisely that in 2019.
Playoff opportunities: 0 percent

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