Enlistment of Juan Soto Bolsters Mets' Ambitions Amidst Struggle Against Braves and Phillies
Alright, let's dive into the current state of the NL East baseball division for the 2024 season, with a sneaky peek at the upcoming 2025 roster moves. Now, remember, these rankings are based on the anticipated true-talent levels of the teams, taking into account last year's batted-ball data, off-season roster adjustments, and the potential impact of 2025 rookies.
1 - Atlanta Braves - Offense: 108.5 (6th), Pitching: 86.4 (1st), Defense: 105.2 (26th)
The Braves might just be the team to beat without their star player, Ronald Acuna Jr., for most of last year. He's working on his knee now, expected to return in the first half of 2024. The Braves' offense should still punch above its weight, even with Acuna out and Drake Baldwin getting thrust into service behind the plate due to an injured Sean Murphy. Will the Braves' starting pitching depth hold up? Spencer Strider, their 2023 Cy Young winner, isn't quite ready, and no major free-agent signings were made to bolster the rotation after the losses of Max Fried and Charlie Morton.
2 - Philadelphia Phillies - Offense: 104.4 (9th), Pitching: 93.2 (4th), Defense: 97.3 (10th)
The Phillies' offense might be aging, but it's still strong. They're basically running it back with the same group going into 2024. A powerful wave of sophomore position players is forecasted to make a splash, including 3B Aidan Miller, OF Justin Crawford, and C Eduardo Tait. The starting pitching is rumored to be fantastic, with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola leading the charge. Are we in for a season full of 200-inning spectacles from Nola? Watch this space!
3 - New York Mets - Offense: 108.6 (5th), Pitching: 96.8 (10th), Defense: 99.8 (13th)
Brace yourself, folks, because the Mets have a new superstar: Juan Soto. His acquisition is expected to elevate the Mets' offense to potential stardom. They'll be missing a couple everyday starters at the outset due to injuries to Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil. Luckily, Brett Baty is ready to step up and build on his 2024 breakthrough. Starting pitching depth might be tested early, with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas both sidelined.
4 - Washington Nationals - Offense: 92.8 (24th), Pitching: 103.1 (22nd), Defense: 103.1 (25th)
The Nationals appear to be in rebuild mode, but let's not overlook their potential for improvement in the 2024 campaign. The young guns, James Wood and Dylan Crews, are slated to start in the outfield, taking on massive responsibilities. They're projected to anchor a top-half-of-MLB run production lineup. Pitching, however, might take a slight step back. Lefty Mackenzie Gore is pegged as their ace in waiting, but it remains to be seen if he's a true #1 yet.
5 - Miami Marlins - Offense: 87.8 (29th), Pitching: 108.2 (27th), Defense: 100.4 (14th)
The Marlins may be gearing up for a tough year. Their roster appears to be stripped bare, with established players departing, leaving little behind apart from the White Sox (and maybe the Rockies) to claim the title of worst team in baseball. Outfielder Jesus Sanchez was primed for a breakout campaign, but a recent oblique strain might have our hopes sinking. But fear not, Miami's pitching might still offer some solace, with Sandy Alcantara returning from injury, Max Meyer expected to make an impact, and youngsters like Robby Snelling and Adam Mazur not far off.
In the Atlanta Braves' roster, the potential return of Ronald Acuna Jr. is anticipated for the first half of 2024, aiming to bolster their sixth-ranked offense based on last year's data. On the flip side, the Braves' starting pitching rotation might face a challenge, as both Max Fried and Charlie Morton have departed, and their Cy Young winner, Spencer Strider, is not quite ready to join yet.
The Philadelphia Phillies' offense remains strong, with an anticipated surge from sophomore position players such as 3B Aidan Miller, OF Justin Crawford, and C Eduardo Tait. However, their pitching is rumored to be fantastic, with Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola leading the charge, potentially setting the stage for 200-inning seasons.
The New York Mets' offense could witness a significant boost with the arrival of Juan Soto, adding potential stardom to their lineup. A few key players, Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil, will miss the start of the season due to injuries, but Brett Baty is primed to step up and build on his 2024 breakthrough. However, starting pitching depth might be tested early, with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas both sidelined.
