2021 MLB predictions: Previewing the NL East
The season is about to get underway, and with that comes out 2021 MLB predictions. Next on the docket is one of the more intriguing divisions in the game – the NL East.
In theory, each team in the division has postseason aspirations. Even the Marlins, who are generally forgotten amongst the big names and higher payrolls, have hopes for the playoffs. After all, they did reach the postseason last year, reaching the second round before seeing their run come to an end.
2021 MLB predictions: The NL East
However, they have a difficult path ahead. The Mets have new ownership, and Steve Cohen is determined to put a winner in New York. Atlanta and Washington both have young stars and solid pitching. The Phillies have spent big in the past few offseasons to turn the fortunes of their franchise around.
Who will win the NL East? Let’s look into our crystal ball and find out.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies have the individual pieces needed to be a championship level team. The problem is that they do not have the supporting cast.
Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto are a great start for any franchise, while Alex Bohm looks as though he may finally be a first round pick that did not implode for Philadelphia. Didi Gregorius is a solid shortstop. Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler give the Phillies a stellar 1-2 punch atop the rotation.
The problem is everywhere else. The Phillies do not have enough pieces in the lineup to be nearly as dangerous as the duo of Harper and Realmuto should make them. Meanwhile, the rotation is a giant question mark behind Nola and Wheeler. Philadelphia has worked to completely remake the bullpen yet again, but it is questionable if those moves will make that much of a difference.
The names have changed, but the same questions apply to the Philadelphia Phillies. It looks like another long season ahead.
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.
2. New York Mets
Every year, it is expected that the New York Mets will contend. Maybe the 2021 MLB predictions will be the time that is proven correct.
On paper, the Mets have done everything they needed to. Francisco Lindor and James McCann drastically improve the lineup. Carlos Carrasco and Trevor May improve their depth on the pitching side. And they may have the best pitcher in the game in Jacob deGrom.
But there are still plenty of questions. Noah Syndergaard is one of the better pitchers in the game when he is on the mound, but he is not expected back until around midseason. Marcus Stroman did not pitch at all in 2020, spending time on the Injured List before opting out of the season. Edwin Diaz looked like his dominant self again last year, but can he continue that performance in 2021? And who is Pete Alonso – the dominant rookie slugger or the player who struggled last season?
The New York Mets appear to be a playoff contender. However, the same can be said almost every year.
1. Atlanta Braves
Despite numerous injuries to their rotation, the Atlanta Braves pushed the Dodgers to seven games in the NLCS. The Braves certainly feel that they are close to breaking through to the World Series.
Atlanta did their part to bolster their depth in the rotation, inking Charlie Morton and Drew Smyly to one year deals. Marcell Ozuna is back, a key piece to a lineup that led the NL in OPS and was second in runs scored. The trio of Ozuna, Freddie Freeman, and Ronald Acuna gives Atlanta a formidable trio.
The Braves do have questions however. They spent the offseason looking for a third baseman, but are giving Austin Riley another chance. Smyly is hardly a bastion of health, and while he impressed last season, there is no guarantee he can replicate that success. Christian Pache has the glove of a major leaguer, but is his bat ready?
Next. Predicting the AL West. dark
Nonetheless, the Atlanta Braves appear to be the class of the NL East. But they will have plenty of competition this season.