Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals won just 82 matches with Bryce Harper final year. It appears inevitable he’ll become an ex-Nat.
However, the developments 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, 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 as a teenager.
The National League East is too deep for any group to win considerably more than 90 games. But 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 just 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 might still use a rookie (e.g., Dallas Keuchel) and/or tried-and-true relief ace (e.g., Craig Kimbrel).
Rather, they seem content to bet on their youthful talent. That is risky yet not completely unreasonable. Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies are the National League’s response to Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez, and contained inside the team’s No. 2 farm system is MLB-ready pitching galore.
The wild-card race will not necessarily be present to catch the Braves–or some other NL East group –should they fall short from the branch. However they can manage competing with the Nats.
Playoff chances: 50 percent
New York Mets
The New York Mets could have ripped it all down after losing 85 matches this past year. Instead, they hired a new general manager and moved all-out to include 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 likely to fit all of their offensive bits together. There’s also still lingering doubt about a defense that has been a weakness for ages.
But altogether, the Mets should be right there with the Braves in compelling 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 boost their upside down tremendously.
To their credit, the Phillies have already greatly improved a roster that produced 80 wins last season. In particular, J.T. Realmuto, Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura will improve both an offense and a defense that fought in 2018. For his part, David Robertson should stabilize the bullpen.
Nevertheless some concerns persist. There is a drop-off at the rotation after Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Likewise, there’s a drop-off in offensive upside following the newest improvements and incumbent slugger Rhys Hoskins.
So at least until Harper is in the fold, the Phillies are the fourth-best team from the NL East.
Playoff opportunities: 40 percent
Miami Marlins
And then you will find the Miami Marlins, that are entering 2019 as the black sheep of the NL East.
Together with Realmuto gone, Miami’s continuing rebuild has rendered the major league roster with no stars. But given that the team’s farm system only checks in at No. 25 at MLB, further trimming through the trade market is inevitable.
It’s difficult to go backward by a 98-loss season, but the Marlins must do exactly that in 2019.
Playoff opportunities: 0%

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