1. Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals may have lost Bryce Harper, but that does not mean that the team is going to sink into mediocrity.
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Instead, the Nationals have a strong lineup, and should weather the loss of their best known player. Victor Robles will likely take his spot in the lineup, pairing with Juan Soto to give Washington an impressive pair of young outfielders. Brian Dozier adds some pop to the lineup, and the catcher position has been entirely revamped with Yan Gomes and Kurt Suzuki.
Yet, the most impressive addition involved signing Patrick Corbin to a six year deal. He gives the Nationals three aces atop their rotation, a formidable presence for any team to go up against. With Anibal Sanchez and Jeremy Hellickson also signed as free agents, the Nationals rotation will be a strength.
The problem is, as strong as the rotation may be, the bullpen is a mess. Sean Doolittle has emerged as a solid closer in the Nation’s Capital, but there are plenty of question marks otherwise. Understandably, Washington has been linked to Craig Kimbrel, but they are reluctant to surpass the luxury tax, making that addition unlikely.
Nonetheless, the Washington Nationals appear to be the favorites to win the National League East when the 2019 MLB season is all said and done. But any of the top four teams have a viable chance at the division.