Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals won only 82 matches with Bryce Harper final season. It appears inevitable he will develop into an ex-Nat.
However, the developments of Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle Barraclough deepened the pitching staff about Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Those of Brian Dozier, Yan Gomes, Kurt Suzuki and Matt Adams did the same for the offense.
Meanwhile, top prospect Victor Robles is standing by to fill Harper’s shoes. Fellow young outfielder Juan Soto can develop into a celebrity after achieving historic success for a teenager.
The National League East is too heavy for any group to acquire much greater than 90 games. But the Nats have the best chance of reaching that threshold and so the best chance of winning the division.
Playoff opportunities: 60 percent
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves won the NL East last year just because they took advantage of the division’s weaknesses with a 49-27 record. That will not occur again in 2019.
The Braves fostered their veteran thickness by earning 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 ace (e.g., Craig Kimbrel).
Instead, they appear content to bet on their youthful talent. That is risky 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 team’s No. 2 farm system is MLB-ready pitching galore.
The wild-card race will not necessarily be there to catch the Braves–or any other NL East group –should they fall short from the branch. But they could handle competing with all the Nats.
Playoff opportunities: 50 percent
New York Mets
The New York Mets might have ripped down it after dropping 85 games this past year. Instead, they hired a new general manager and went all-out to add stars and depth to the roster.
For an offense that scored only 4.2 runs per game in 2018: Robinson Cano, Wilson Ramos, Jed Lowrie and Keon Broxton. To get 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 the way the Mets are going to match all their offensive pieces together. There is also still lingering doubt about a defense that’s been a weakness for years.
But altogether, the Mets should 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 down tremendously.
To their credit, the Phillies have greatly enhanced a roster which produced 80 wins last season. Specifically, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura will improve both the offense and a defense that struggled in 2018. For his part, David Robertson must stabilize the bullpen.
Nevertheless some concerns persist. There’s a drop-off at the rotation after Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Likewise, there is a drop-off in offensive upside after the new additions and incumbent slugger Rhys Hoskins.
So at least until Harper is at the fold, the Phillies would be the fourth-best team in the NL East.
Playoff opportunities: 40 percent
Miami Marlins
And then you will find the Miami Marlins, who are entering 2019 since the clear black sheep of the NL East.
Together with Realmuto gone, Miami’s continuing reconstruct has rendered the major league roster without any stars. But given the group’s farm system only checks in at No. 25 at MLB, further trimming through the trade market is inevitable.
It’s hard to go backward from a 98-loss season, but the Marlins should do exactly that in 2019.
Playoff opportunities: 0%

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