Yankees – Nationals
This is the first team I’m adding in here that didn’t make the postseason last year, but I think the Washington Nationals could end up being the best team in the NL this season.
I don’t know what happened to the Nationals last year, but they weren’t as bad as their record indicated. The talent on this team is for real.
They have the best starting rotation in the NL, and maybe in baseball, with Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg at the top. This offseason they added to that with Corbin. They also signed Anibal Sanchez and Jeremy Hellickson to strengthen their rotation even more.
I would be a little concerned if one of those three at the top get injured, but when healthy this is the best rotation in the league.
You may think losing Bryce Harper is a big deal, but it won’t be for the Nationals who have two young, talented outfielders ready to take over in Juan Soto and Victor Robles.
They’ve also acquired Yan Gomes and Kurt Suzuki for a strong catching tandem. Brian Dozier should bounce back and deepen an already explosive lineup.
There really are no obvious weaknesses on this team right now.
The Yankees have pretty much made it a point to build the strongest bullpen ever by signing Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino this offseason to go along with Aroldis Chapman and Delin Betances.
They’ve also signed D.J. LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki to add depth to a young infield.
They also acquired James Paxton and re-signed CC Sabathia and J.A. Happ this offseason to fortify a solid rotation.
I think there are weaknesses and question marks across the infield. And they could use some depth behind Happ in the rotation in case of injuries. But if this team has a lead after five innings, it’s over.
Still, I think the Nationals could have an incredible 2019 season. The National League takes this one.