MLB 2017: National League East Rankings

Starting Pitching

5. Phillies – Jeremy Hellickson accepted the qualifying offer instead of testing the free agent market. They swung a deal for Clay Buchholz after the Red Sox got Chris Sale. Both are on the last year of their deals and can be used as trade chips later on. They have impressive young arms like Aaron Nola, Vince Velasquez and Jake Thompson to round out the rotation.

4. Marlins – They lack an ace after the tragic death of Jose Fernandez last September. Wei-Yin Chen is the number-one by default at this point. They traded for Dan Straily and added Edinson Volquez and Jeff Locke in free agency to go with Tom Koehler and Adam Conley who could take the next step in his development this year.

3. Braves – Julio Teheran looked last year like an ace and someone the Braves are very happy they didn’t trade. They brought in Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey via free agency and Jaime Garcia in a trade to eat innings and give their young pitchers some leadership. All three will also be trade chips at the deadline for contenders looking for starters. Mike Foltynewicz, Matt Wisler and Aaron Blair will compete for the last spot.

2. Nationals – Max Scherzer may be the best pitcher in baseball not named Clayton Kershaw. Stephen Strasburg was great, except he can’t stay healthy. Gio Gonzalez will look to rebound after an uneven year. Tanner Roark looked much better with a role in the rotation.

1. Mets – Will this be the year the fab five stay healthy? If they do, look out. Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler all have injury questions. If any of them falter, spin rate master Seth Lugo and Robert Gsellman can step in.