Predicting the Final NL East Standings in 2016
By Nick Fustor
Unlike many other divisions in 2015, the National League East featured two clear playoff-worthy teams, while the rest of the division was mired in mediocrity. The New York Mets enjoyed a spectacular run to the postseason on the back of Yoenis Cespedes and an elite starting rotation, while the Washington Nationals failed to live up to expectations – and seemingly wasted a breakout season from Bryce Harper.
The Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins all suffered through misery-filled seasons, with hopes of discovering a star player within their farm systems.
This season doesn’t figure to be much different than 2015. The Mets retained a solid core by re-signing Cespedes to a three-year deal worth $75 million, and adding veteran second baseman Neil Walker to replace departed postseason hero Daniel Murphy.
The Nationals struck out with several top free agents, including Cespedes, but still boast a dangerous lineup and solid pitching rotation.
Meanwhile, the Phillies have gone into full-rebuild mode, but saw the emergence of power bat Maikel Franco and potential ace Aaron Nola toward the end of 2015. Healthy seasons from Giancarlo Stanton and Christian Yelich can propel the Marlins offense, but they have a lot of question marks throughout the roster.
The Braves boasts a strange mix of veteran talent and young potential impact players – but traded ace Shelby Miller for last year’s number one pick, Dansby Swanson, which will negatively impact their immediate future.
The NL East will likely see a heated race between the Mets and Nationals down to the end of the season, but there’s a chance the Marlins can make some noise under the direction of new manager Don Mattingly. Here’s our predictions for how things will shake out in the NL East in 2016.
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