*Photo from Newsday*
Moving forward with the team preview series, it's time to cover one of the most stacked divisions in baseball. That is the NL East. Let's take a look at these 5 teams
*Photo from AP News*
Atlanta Braves
2020 record: 35-25
The Braves had another spectacular season in 2020, winning the NL East again and were eliminated one game before reaching the world series. They had an active beginning to the offseason, signing Drew Smyly and Charlie Morton right away. They did lose Mark Melancon, Adam Duvall, and Darren O'Day, but it shouldn't hurt them that much. They also brought back one of their best hitters in Marcell Ozuna as well. They are well within competing for the division again.
*Photo from the New York Post*
New York Mets
2020 record: 26-34
In their first offseason under new owner Steve Cohen, the Mets had a spending spree of an offseason. They started off with Trevor May for the bullpen and James McCann as their new starting catcher. After that, it was a massive trade for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from the Indians. Aaron Loup was brought in as another relief arm, and Jonathan Villar was signed for infield depth. They then signed Kevin Pillar and Jake Marisnick for the outfield, and Taijuan Walker for rotation depth. With these moves, the Mets have inserted themselves right in the thick of division contention in the NL East.
*Photo from the Good Phight*
Philadelphia Phillies
2020 record: 28-32
The Phillies did not have a good 2020. They appear to look better entering this year. After questions as to if they would be able to keep JT Realmuto and Didi Gregorius, I am pleased to report that Realmuto and Gregorius are both back in the fold for multiple seasons to come. Archie Bradley was also the big bullpen addition, along with Jose Alvarado and more minor names. They should be in the mix to win the division this year.
*Photo from the Washington Post*
Washington Nationals
2020 record: 26-34
The Nationals regressed in 2020, with a record below .500 in their title defense year. But, they had a sneaky good offseason. First up was trading for Pirates slugger Josh Bell to solidify first base. Ryan Zimmerman then came back to platoon with Bell at first. They signed a power hitting outfielder in Kyle Schwarber to form a dangerous outfield with Victor Robles and Juan Soto. Brad Hand was signed for the bullpen to be the closer, and Jon Lester was signed for rotation insurance. The Nationals look to be back in the mix for the division this year.
*Photo from the Miami Herald*
Miami Marlins
2020 record: 31-29
In a season that shocked all of baseball, the Marlins made the playoffs in 2020. That might have been a fluke due to a short season, but they did still make upgrades around their young core this winter. First came bullpen insurance with a trade for Adam Cimber from Cleveland, and signing lefty specialist Ross Detwiler in free agency. They also signed Adam Duvall for the outfield. I'm not sold on them just yet, but they are going in the right direction.
Division assessment:
This division is once again stacked. The Braves are still a force, the Nationals and Phillies had good offseasons, and the Mets had one of the best offseasons in baseball with all of their moves. The Marlins are probably the only team out of the race for the playoffs at this point in time, but they too can surprise some people. Keep your eyes on the NL East this year, you won't regret it.
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