MLB: NL East Preseason Division Predictions
By Matt Meffe
The NL East contains power hitters, experienced pitchers, youth, potential and promise. While a two-team race is expected, anything is possible.
Over the past two seasons, the NL East has gone either way. In 2015, the division race was incredibly close despite problems for both the New York Mets and Washington Nationals. At the trade deadline, the Nationals remained silent, while the Mets did what they could to try and improve their team. The improvements the Mets made paid off, and they went on a nearly unstoppable run in August and September. This success led to a division title, their first since 2006. The Nationals, meanwhile, missed the postseason despite being heavily favored to make it.
In the offseason, both teams would make improvements, as the Mets signed Asdrubal Cabrera and traded for Neil Walker, while the Nationals signed Daniel Murphy and traded for Ben Revere. The 2016 season was a different year, as the Nationals ran away with the division crown, while the Mets struggled to find footing until late August. After acquiring Jay Bruce from the Reds, the Mets went on a strong run to finish the season once again. This led to a Wild Card berth, and for the first time ever, both the Mets and the Nationals were in the postseason together. Both teams would be eliminated quickly, as the Mets were blanked by the Giants in the Wild Card Game, and the Nationals were defeated by the Dodgers in the NLDS.
This year, the division looks to once again be a two-team race on paper. However, the Marlins, Braves and Phillies all made some key offseason moves, and could also improve this season. The NL East, as a result, may become one of the stronger divisions in 2017.