After 99 days of waiting for an agreement on the new collective bargaining agreement, the lockout is officially over. The threats of loses games become a distant memory as the new CBA is passed with a full slate of games set to start April 7th. As we get ready for opening pitch, let’s take a deep dive at how we think the NL East will do this upcoming season.
All Eyes on the World Series Champions
The Atlanta Braves were the story of the season in 2021 as they defied the odds to win the Fall Classic. With injuries from star players such as Mike Soroka and Ronald Acuna Jr, the Braves still find a way to defeat the Houston Astros in six games to win their first World Series since 1995.
Now the Braves will have a new face at 1st Base, as Freddie Freeman moves on to the Dodgers and Matt Olson comes in from Oakland on a Blockbuster Deal. It’s crazy that the Braves lose a cornerstone piece and somehow find a way to get better.
Don’t Name a Bridge After Him
The offseason left no dream untouched in this division as plenty of teams spent a large sum of money to stay competitive in arguable the most difficult division in baseball.
With the New CBA agreement, a luxury tax was created to compete against the strategies of Mets owner Steven Cohen. A complete shift of attitude from the former Wilpon regime. The Mets signed Max Scherzer to team up with Jake DeGrom (When Healthy) and make the most dangerous duo in all of baseball. The Rotation continued to strengthen this season with the addition of Chris Bassitt in a trade with the rebuilding Athletics.
Prove it Year in Philly?
Money continued to flow in the City of Brotherly Love as well. The Phillies went out after the lockout and solidified their outfield/DH roles with the additions of Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber will also provide a much-needed improvement to the lead off position, where the Phillies struggled mightily last season.
State of The Capital
The Washington Nationals are a long way from being the same team that won it all in 2019. With the massive trade off at the deadline last season it was clear the direction they are choosing is a rebuild. Although I do not see them competing for the Division Title this season, they could easily spoil it for someone else within the East.
The biggest question will circulate around Juan Soto and extension talks this season. As mentioned in our Award Predictions for this season, I have Soto as the top runner for NL MVP. If the Nationals want to do this rebuild right, they do everything they can to lock him up for the next decade.
Surprise in South Beach?
If you take anything from this article today DO NOT sleep on the Miami Marlins, this season. This team has slowly become a tough team not only in the East, but across the National league. With the addition of Jorge Soler and a young, impressive rotation, this team will go punch for punch with the other top three in the division.
I would not be surprised to see this squad compete for the division all the way into September, and battle for a Wildcard spot.
Division Predictions
As I mentioned at the beginning of this story, this is the Braves division to lose. They only seemed to get better this season and will do anything they can to return to the Fall Classic and defend their title. I’m Taking the Braves to win the NL East.
With that being said, the expanded playoffs are going to be a huge help for multiple teams in this division and I believe all, but Washington will be competing for those 3 extra non division winning spots.
Below are my final thoughts on how the Standings will end up in the NL East.
- Atlanta Braves 92-70
- New York Mets 88-74
- Philadelphia Phillies 86-76
- Miami Marlins 83-79
- Washington Nationals 70-92
What are your Thoughts?
Do you agree with our picks for the NL East in 2022? Disagree? Be sure to let us know on SlasherSports.com. Slasher Sports is available on many Social Media Platforms as well such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
About the Author
Christian Rauh is the Co-Founder of Slasher Sports and is the Host of The Rauh Report Podcast and Wake Up! with Wowie and The Kid. You Can find all his written work here.
