Baseball season is upon us! Today, the domestic opening day will commence starting with the Milwaukee Brewers vs. the New York Yankees at 3 PM ET, followed by 8 games starting between 3 PM ET & 4:10 PM ET.

As we are so near baseball season, the hottest division in baseball must be talked about. The NL East is a three-headed monster between the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

Each team has playoff aspirations, and no one is more serious about winning the ‘October Classic’ than the New York Mets. While Miami and Washington are not in prime position to play for the postseason, both have good young talent ready to bloom in the majors.

Lets dive into each teams outlook for this season. 

Atlanta Braves

Free agents

• OF Adam Duvall
• 2B/OF Whit Merrifield

Notable acquisitions

• OF Jurickson Profar (3-year deal) – Adds versatility and on-base skills to the outfield.
• OF Bryan De La Cruz (1-year deal) – A solid addition to the lineup with some pop and defensive flexibility.

Notable subtractions

• LHP Max Fried (Yankees) – A huge loss in the rotation.
• OF Jorge Soler (trade with Angels) – Power bat now heading to LA.
• C Travis d’Arnaud (Angels) – Veteran catcher moves west.
• RHP Charlie Morton (Orioles) – Longtime rotation piece now in Baltimore.
• LHP A.J. Minter (Mets) – A bullpen blow, joining a division rival.
• 3B Gio Urshela (Athletics) – Reliable glove and bat heads to Oakland.
• OF Ramón Laureano (Orioles) – Defense-first outfielder joins Morton in Baltimore.
• RHP John Brebbia (Tigers) – Middle relief arm gone.
• RHP Luke Jackson (Rangers) – Another bullpen loss.

Analysis

The Braves experienced a rollercoaster offseason, highlighted by the additions of Jurickson Profar on a three-year deal and Bryan De La Cruz on a one-year contract to bring versatility and pop to the outfield.

However, the losses hit hard, with ace Max Fried heading to the Yankees, slugger Jorge Soler and veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud joining the Angels, and longtime rotation staple Charlie Morton now in Baltimore. The bullpen took a major hit too, losing A.J. Minter to the division-rival Mets and several key arms like John Brebbia and Luke Jackson.

Atlanta’s farm system remains solid, ranked around the middle of the pack thanks to standout prospects like pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver and outfielder Drake Baldwin. The team still has depth but lacks the high-end, near-ready talent of previous years.

With Fried gone, they may need to rely on their pipeline to replenish the rotation sooner rather than later.

The Braves still boast one of the best cores in baseball, led by Ronald Acuña Jr. and Matt Olson, but Fried’s departure leaves a massive hole in the rotation.

The bullpen also looks shakier after so many losses. While they remain a playoff-caliber team, staying on top of the NL East will be tougher than ever with the Mets’ aggressive spending.

Record Prediction: 88-74

Miami Marlins

Free agents

• None

Notable acquisitions

• RHP Cal Quantrill (1-year deal) – Adds stability to the rotation.
• INF Eric Wagaman (1-year deal) – A versatile infielder to deepen the bench.
• 1B Matt Mervis (trade with Cubs) – Power potential at first base.

Notable subtractions

• LHP Jesús Luzardo (trade with Phillies) – Big loss in the rotation.
• 1B/3B Jake Burger (trade with Rangers) – Losing a key bat from last season’s breakout.

Analysis

The Marlins’ offseason was quieter than most, but they made a few strategic moves. Cal Quantrill joined on a one-year deal to stabilize the rotation, while Eric Wagaman and Matt Mervis were added to bring more depth and power to the lineup.

Unfortunately, Miami traded away young rising pitcher Jesús Luzardo to the Phillies and lost slugger Jake Burger to the Rangers, taking a hit to both their pitching and offensive firepower.

Miami’s farm system is in a rebuilding phase, ranked in the bottom third of MLB. Outfielder Jacob Berry and pitcher Noble Meyer are their top prospects, though both are a few years away from contributing. The Marlins need to restock their system after recent trades, and development will be key to long-term success.

The Marlins may take a step back in 2025 after losing Luzardo and Burger, two crucial pieces of last year’s competitive squad. Their pitching depth keeps them respectable, but offensive inconsistencies remain a problem.

Unless someone breaks out, they’re likely stuck in the middle of the NL East.

Record Prediction: 68-94

New York Mets

Free agents

• DH J.D. Martinez
• LHP Brooks Raley

Notable acquisitions

• OF Juan Soto (15-year mega-deal) – Blockbuster move, Mets land a generational superstar.
• 1B Pete Alonso (re-signed; 2-year deal) – Keeping the “Polar Bear” in New York.
• RHP Clay Holmes (3-year deal) – Strengthens the rotation with a power arm.
• LHP Sean Manaea (re-signed; 3-year deal) – Solid mid-rotation arm stays put.
• RHP Frankie Montas (2-year deal) – Adds depth and upside to the rotation.
• LHP A.J. Minter (2-year deal) – Steals a key bullpen piece from the Braves.
• OF Jesse Winker (re-signed; 1-year deal) – Streaky but dangerous bat remains in the outfield mix.
• OF Jose Siri (trade with Rays) – Adds speed and defense in center field.
• RHP Ryne Stanek (1-year deal) – Reliable bullpen arm joins the mix.
• RHP Justin Hagenman (1-year deal) – Depth addition for the pen.
• INF Jared Young (1-year deal) – Infield depth with upside.
• RHP Griffin Canning (1-year deal) – A rotation depth piece.
• RHP Drew Smith (re-signed; 1-year deal) – Keeps a familiar bullpen arm in-house.

Notable subtractions

• RHP Luis Severino (Athletics) – Short-lived Mets stint ends.
• LHP Jose Quintana (Brewers) – Reliable lefty moves on.
• OF Harrison Bader (Twins) – Defensive specialist finds a new home.
• RHP Adam Ottavino (Red Sox) – Bullpen veteran heads to Boston.
• INF Jose Iglesias (Padres) – Utility infielder gone. 
• RHP Phil Maton (Cardinals) – Bullpen arm heads to St. Louis.

Analysis

The Mets made the loudest noise this offseason, signing superstar Juan Soto to a jaw-dropping 15-year deal, securing one of the game’s best hitters for the long haul. They also retained Pete Alonso on a two-year deal and reloaded the pitching staff with Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and A.J. Minter — a big bullpen steal from the Braves.

Jose Siri and Jesse Winker round out the lineup depth, making this one of the most improved rosters in the league.

New York’s farm system took a hit after several win-now trades in recent seasons, but they still hold some intriguing talent, ranking in the middle of the pack. Infielder Jett Williams and right-hander Mike Vasil are names to watch, though neither is expected to make an immediate impact in 2025.

With Soto now locked in, the Mets seem committed to building a long-term contender.

The Mets are undeniably in win-now mode. With a Soto-Alonso core and an overhauled pitching staff, they have their eyes set on dethroning the Phillies for the NL East crown. If the rotation stays healthy, this team is a legitimate World Series threat.

Record Prediction: 99-63

Washington Nationals

Free agents

• None

Notable acquisitions

• 1B Nathaniel Lowe (trade with Rangers) – A sneaky good bat for the lineup.
• RHP Michael Soroka (1-year deal) – High upside if he stays healthy.
• 1B Josh Bell (1-year deal) – A reunion in D.C. for the slugger.
• RHP Trevor Williams (re-signed; 2-year deal) – Keeps a dependable arm in the rotation.
• INF Paul DeJong (1-year deal) – Veteran infielder brings pop and a steady glove.
• RHP Kyle Finnegan (re-signed; 1-year deal) – Keeps a key bullpen piece.
• SS Amed Rosario (1-year deal) – Solid middle infield depth.
• RHP Jorge López (1-year deal) – Another bullpen addition.
• LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara (2-year deal) – Intriguing Japanese lefty.
• RHP Lucas Sims (1-year deal) – A bullpen depth move.

Notable subtractions

• LHP Robert Garcia (trade with Rangers) – Reliever heads to Texas.

Analysis

The Nationals made a flurry of mid-level moves, acquiring first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers and reuniting with slugger Josh Bell on a one-year deal. They also added bounce-back candidate Michael Soroka and veteran infielder Paul DeJong to solidify the infield.

The bullpen received a boost with the signings of Kyle Finnegan, Jorge López, and Japanese lefty Shinnosuke Ogasawara. Notably, they lost reliever Robert Garcia to Texas but kept dependable starter Trevor Williams.

Washington’s farm system remains a strength, ranking in the top 10 thanks to blue-chip prospects like outfielder James Wood and righty pitcher Cade Cavalli. Wood will start the season as an everyday player for Washington, while Cavalli is expected to contribute after returning from injury. The Nationals are clearly playing the long game, balancing prospect development with short-term veteran additions.

While the Nationals are improving, they’re still a few years away from serious contention. Their lineup has more power now, but the rotation remains questionable behind Josiah Gray and Mackenzie Gore.

A .500 record would be a step in the right direction, but a playoff push is still a long shot.

Record Prediction: 72-90

Philadelphia Phillies

Free agents

• RHP Spencer Turnbull

Notable acquisitions

• LHP Jesús Luzardo (trade with Marlins) – Huge arm added to an already strong rotation.
• RHP Jordan Romano (1-year deal) – Brings late-inning heat to the bullpen.
• OF Max Kepler (1-year deal) – A veteran outfield addition.
• RHP Joe Ross (1-year deal) – Bounce-back candidate for the rotation.

Notable subtractions:

• RHP Jeff Hoffman (Blue Jays) – Effective reliever heads to Toronto.
• OF Austin Hays (Reds) – Productive outfielder moves to Cincy.
• RHP Carlos Estévez (Royals) – Late-inning bullpen arm leaves for Kansas City.

Analysis

The Phillies focused on quality over quantity this offseason, landing lefty Jesús Luzardo in a trade with the Marlins to further strengthen an already potent rotation. They added closer Jordan Romano and veteran outfielder Max Kepler on one-year deals to shore up the bullpen and outfield.

Depth starter Joe Ross also joined on a one-year pact. However, they lost key bullpen arm Jeff Hoffman and outfielder Austin Hays to the Reds, and Carlos Estévez left for the Royals.

Philadelphia’s farm system ranks in the lower half of the league, with some promising talent like pitcher Mick Abel and outfielder Justin Crawford. Abel could see big-league action this year if injuries hit the rotation, while Crawford remains a longer-term project.

The Phillies are in win-now mode, but they’ll need to carefully manage their aging core.

The Phillies remain a top-tier contender in the NL East, boasting a rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and now Luzardo. The lineup, anchored by Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, should stay dangerous.

If the bullpen holds up, they have a legitimate shot at a division title — or at least another deep playoff run.

 

Record Prediction: 98-64

 

 

Division Record Prediction

New York Mets: 99-63

Philadelphia Phillies: 98-64

Atlanta Braves: 88-74

Washington Nationals: 72-90

Miami Marlins: 68-94

Final Thoughts

This season looks to be yet another hot bed of strong performances for this division, with three teams looking to have strong chances to make the postseason. In my predictions, I see the New York Mets slightly passing by the Philadelphia Phillies to win the division, with the Braves a few games back of both of them.

Miami and Washington might not be in the race, but especially with Washington, young talent can certainly be pushed to greater heights with strong competition to face. 

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