Predicting the 2022 NL East standings
The NL East was a joke heading into the postseason last year. The Atlanta Braves had a worse record than two teams that missed the playoffs, taking advantage of the fact that the rest of the division was mediocre at best as they roared back into contention. Naturally, the Braves went on the win the World Series and end a 26 year championship drought.
But heavy is the head that wears the crown. The rest of the division took the Braves’ title as a challenge as each team looked to improve. The Mets and Phillies captured the headlines, but that does not mean that the other teams sat around quietly. In fact, the Braves may have received more attention for not bringing back Freddie Freeman than any team in the division did for their additions.
Predicting the 2022 NL East standings
Hope springs eternal as the season gets ready to begin. Teams and fans have dreams of the postseason, believing that this is the year they can climb that mountain. The Braves, meanwhile, are hoping to be the first repeat champions in over two decades. It should be a fun division to watch as the season goes on.
Who will take home the crown in the NL East in 2022? Let’s take a look ahead and predict how the division will shake out.
5. Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals finished second in the NL East twice under Dave Martinez and dead last twice. That is not going to change.
The Nationals are clearly eyeing the future, especially after trading Max Scherzer and Trea Turner at the deadline last year. They received some intriguing talent back, and even worked in free agency to upgrade the bullpen and the lineup. Nelson Cruz gives the Nationals another power element that they desperately needed. There are some pieces in place.
But this is still a team that is relying on Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin to front their rotation. Strasburg may not be ready to go until May and Corbin has been a disaster over the past two years. Their depth is lacking overall. If everything comes together, the Nationals could make a run at the division. However, it is far more likely that they end up in the NL East basement once again.
4. Miami Marlins
It would not be a surprise to see the Miami Marlins move up the standings and hover around .500 this year. However, they still have a few flaws to address before they can truly be considered a viable contender.
The Marlins certainly did their best to upgrade the lineup. They traded for Jacob Stallings and Joey Wendle. Avisail Garcia and Jorge Soler were brought in via free agency. The Marlins were even in on Starling Marte before he signed in New York, showing a willingness to spend that had not been seen in years. Add in a strong rotation and the Marlins have the beginnings of a strong roster.
But they need more. The bullpen is a question mark and there may not be enough firepower in the lineup just yet. The likes of Jazz Chisholm and Jesus Sanchez are exciting players but will also have some more growing pains. While the Marlins seemingly have a bright future, it does not appear to be there yet.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies seem destined to be in third place in the NL East and at approximately .500 every year. 2022 does not promise to be an exception.
This time, the Phillies took a slightly different path in free agency. They loaded up on offense, adding Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos to make the lineup much deeper. And, as is always the case, they added several pieces in their quixotic quest to find a viable bullpen. At least Hector Neris is no longer in the picture.
However, the same issues remain. The rotation has several question marks even if the names are different. Their bullpen still may not be good enough. It is possible that the Phillies look to win games 8-7 on days that Zack Wheeler is not pitching. Once again, this appears to be a team destined to finish around .500 and end up third in the NL East.
2. New York Mets
If this was written three days ago, the New York Mets would have been listed as the favorites to win the NL East, and for good reason.
Jacob deGrom had been healthy, immediately giving the Mets a chance to win every fifth game. Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt had been added to the rotation to give New York a formidable trio. Starling Marte and Mark Canha improved the outfield. Even if there were some questions about the bullpen, the Mets had depth the likes of which they had not seen in years.
But deGrom is slated to miss an extended period of time. Scherzer’s hamstring is giving him problems. The Mets’ depth is already going to be tested and the season has yet to begin. While they are better, they just do not appear to have enough to capture the division as the rosters currently stand.
1. Atlanta Braves
The biggest story around the Atlanta Braves involved the fact that Freddie Freeman left. And yet, they may have actually upgraded their roster.
Once it became clear that Freeman and the Braves were at an impasse with a contract, they moved quickly. Not only did they trade for Matt Olson, but they signed him to an eight year extension to make certain that they have another piece of their core locked in. Kenley Jansen solidifies the ninth inning and the bullpen is deeper.
But the biggest additions will come from within. Ronald Acuna Jr. should be back by the end of April and Mike Soroka could return in time for the second half of the season. If that is the case, the Braves quest to repeat could be a lot easier.
Next. Predicting the 2022 AL West standings. dark
Who do you think will take home the NL East title? Let us know in the comments below!