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MLB: Way Too Early 2017 National League Predictions

By Matthew Lively

Oct 4, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets National League East Division Champions flag flies in the right field stands at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets National League East Division Champions flag flies in the right field stands at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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National League East

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Standings Prediction:

  1. Washington Nationals
  2. New York Mets
  3. Miami Marlins
  4. Philadelphia Phillies
  5. Atlanta Braves

Overview:

Let’s face it, the Nationals are one of the best teams in the National League and were innings away from advancing to the NLCS last season. They have the reigning Cy Young and a former MVP on the roster. Not to mention two other pitchers who could be in contention for the award this year.

Trea Turner proved to be a stud and Adam Eaton is a huge addition. They have yet to address the bullpen issue, the only thing that really lacks on paper. They were eight games better than the Mets last season, and shouldn’t struggle to sustain a similar lead.

Speaking of the team from New York, health issues debilitated them last year. By the end of the season, Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Steven Matz, and Zack Wheeler were all sidelined. They were relying solely on Noah Syndergaard and Bartolo Colon. The Mets have plenty of talent at every position, the main issue will be keeping that roster on the field.

The Marlins looked like they were going to compete heavily for a second wildcard spot but came up short. Without late pitcher Jose Fernandez, the team will need to identify a true number one. They’ve upgraded the bullpen and added to their rotation, but their main issue in 2016 was offense, they ranked 27 overall in runs scored. Without adding any new weapons on that side, I have a hard time giving them a nod over New York.

The Phillies surprised many with a hot start but fell off in the second half. While they lost no one to free agency, they are still a rebuilding team with many holes to fill before they have a real shot at competing. The Braves are the same way, though they did add a couple of old stars in R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon.

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