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MLB: NL East Preseason Division Predictions

By Matt Meffe

Aug 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) reacts with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after hitting a two RBI home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) reacts with center fielder Odubel Herrera (37) after hitting a two RBI home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Second Place: New York Mets

Projected Record: 85-77

Now, we get to the top two teams. The Mets and Nationals have been battling to be the NL East champion over the past two years. In 2015, it was the Mets’ year. In 2016, it was the Nationals’ year. The 2017 season will not be the Mets’ year, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still make an impact.

There are several question marks for the Mets going into 2017. The starting rotation is the main issue. Four of the five projected starters for the Mets are all coming off injury-plagued 2016 campaigns, and even Noah Syndergaard had his own issues. Zack Wheeler has not pitched a major league game since 2014, while Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz have all dealt with injuries involving their throwing arms. While this season will be the first where all members of the “dream rotation” are on the roster together, their health and durability remains questionable.

The Mets’ lineup also has several question marks. Last season, the Mets couldn’t catch a break with injuries, and Cespedes, Walker, Cabrera, Wright, Duda, d’Arnaud and Flores all saw time on the disabled list. Even with all of them on the roster, the Mets were still one of the weaker offensive teams in 2016. Considering the Mets didn’t go all out in the offseason, that may not change this season. This season looks to be similar to last season, which is good enough to make a run for a Wild Card spot, but not enough to win the NL East.

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