2. Philadelphia Phillies
Yes, the Phillies are on the fringe of playoff contention. However, last season has earned every Braves fan a healthy respect for this team. Atlanta had a great roster last season and looked to be headed to yet another World Series appearance before the Phillies caught fire and soundly beat Atlanta in their postseason matchup.
Atlanta has far more bragging rights with their recent World Series title and division dominance, but this team isn’t one that can be ignored. If they catch fire at the right time with Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler at the top of the rotation, this is a team that can beat anyone in the right situation.
This is a team that Atlanta hopes fades before the end of the season falling out of Wild Card contention. With the Mets seemingly done for the year and the Miami Marlins reminded who sits on the throne in the division, the Phillies remain the one interesting team in the division that earns a bit of fear considering what they were able to do last season with the same core.