*Photo from NBC News*
We are getting closer and closer to opening day, baseball season is just days away. With that in mind, before all 30 teams take the field for opening day, it's time to preview each division and how they look for the 2022 season. This time, it's time to preview the NL East. Order is based off 2021 division standings.
Atlanta Braves
2021 record: 88-73
The defending world series champions are in a great spot to try and repeat in 2022. Yes, Freddie Freeman is gone, having signed with the Dodgers, but look who they brought in. Matt Olson was acquired from the A's to replace Freeman, and they added to a bullpen core of Matzek, Minter, Jackson, and Smith, with Kenley Jansen and Collin McHugh. This team looks really good again, and Ronald Acuna Jr and Marcell Ozuna will be here this time.
Philadelphia Phillies
2021 record: 82-80
After finally finishing over .500 last season, the Phillies made their lineup so much better. They brought in two big bats in Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber to hit more home runs in the hitter friendly ballpark. The bullpen is the real concern, and all they did was replace Hector Neris with Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, and Jeurys Familia. It's looking like another long season unless that bullpen shapes itself up.
New York Mets
2021 record: 77-85
After a season filled with disappointments after a post trade deadline collapse, the Mets further bolstered their team to make sure it doesn't happen again. They signed a trio of position players in Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and Starling Marte. Losing Marcus Stroman in the rotation wasn't ideal, but they replaced him with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt, so they upgraded there. The Mets definitely made their team better, and are square in the mix for a wild card spot.
Miami Marlins
2021 record: 67-95
The Marlins altogether didn't have a good 2021, but they did make quality improvements to the team. Their starting pitching is looking really good, and they added to the lineup by bringing in some more hitting. Joey Wendle, Avisail Garcia, and Jacob Stallings were brought in before the lockout, and they added serious power with the Jorge Soler signing. The Marlins are an intriguing team to watch, although they might be a year away from the playoffs.
Washington Nationals
2021 record: 65-97
The rebuilding Nationals had a pretty quiet offseason after plummeting to the bottom in 2021. They signed only two players, veteran infielder Cesar Hernandez, and seemingly ageless DH and slugger Nelson Cruz. The Nationals won't be anything special this season, just another rebuilding team going through the motions in hopes of a better tomorrow.
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