Call to the pen
Fansided

2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL East

By David Hill

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after flying out to Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgersduring the fifth inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after flying out to Mookie Betts (not pictured) of the Los Angeles Dodgersduring the fifth inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

4. Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins could be the surprise team in the 2021 MLB predictions. It depends on how some of their young stars develop.

There is plenty of talent on this roster, especially in the rotation. Pablo Lopez, Sixto Sanchez, Sandy Alcantara, and Elieser Hernandez are a formidable group. The lineup has some intrigue, with Starling Marte and Brian Anderson the best of that group. Do not sleep on Adam Duvall however – he has been one of the top hitters in terms of OPS since the start of the 2019 season when he has been on the diamond.

The problem is that the Marlins’ rotation is far ahead of their lineup and bullpen. They really do not have that shutdown closer, or the type of high octane arms in relief to overcome a questionable offense. Meanwhile, their top hitting prospects are far behind their pitching and may not be ready for some time.

Miami will be a difficult matchup for any team just because of their rotation. But unless some of their youngsters in the lineup are ready to take the next step, a return to the postseason this year does not appear to be in the cards.

3. Washington Nationals

In a lot of ways, the Washington Nationals are similar to the Philadelphia Phillies in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.

Washington has two of the best in the game at their positions in Juan Soto and Trea Turner. They made moves this offseason to add some protection to the lineup, bringing in Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber, but that may not be enough. Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Patrick Corbin are an excellent trio when healthy, but that is not a given aside for Scherzer. Brad Hand adds a viable closer for the ninth which was desperately needed.

But there are plenty of questions otherwise. The Nationals’ bullpen may be a revolving door yet again. Neither Jon Lester nor Joe Ross are a given at this point in their career. In regards to the  lineup, the Nationals need Victor Robles to become the star they expected in order to give them another dynamic presence at the top of the lineup.

The Washington Nationals have a bit more depth than the Phillies. That is the difference between third and the bottom of the division.

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