The MLB season is less than one week away! The Atlanta Braves open the season on the road in Philadelphia next Thursday. Citizens Bank Park is a familiar place that left a sour taste in the Braves’ mouths in 2023. The Phillies bested the Braves in four games after the Braves had an NL-best 104-win regular season. Lately, the theme in MLB has been teams sneaking into the playoffs and then making deep runs.
The Phillies did this in 2022, and the Diamondbacks did it last season. The fact that the Braves, led by standout performances from Ronald Acuna and Matt Olson, have won the NL East but did not win a World Series the last two years is disappointing. It’s World Series or bust for Atlanta. This is rightly so after proving to be one of the best teams in MLB since 2018. Now, let’s dive into the rest of the division.
This Division Is Only A Two Team Race
Phillies
The biggest thing standing in the way of a seventh straight division title is the Phillies. After being eliminated by Philadelphia in the last two seasons, this rivalry has heightened energy. Filled with superstars on both rosters, the Phillies are easily the biggest competition for the Braves within the division. Facing off 14 times in the regular season, the Braves must go at least 8-6 since the games have much more impact since the recent MLB schedule change. In this change, teams play division rivals 14 times instead of 19 times per season. The purpose was to balance the league due to the poor play of the NL and AL Central divisions in recent years.
With a fully healthy Bryce Harper and an elite pitching staff, the Phillies are here to contend with anybody. They should give the Braves a run for their money in 2024. I would still pick the Braves to win the division. However, the gap has closed since last season. If the Phillies manage to go 9-5 or even 10-4 vs Atalanta, they might be able to steal the division.
Mets
The New York Mets are the clear-cut third-best team in the NL East division. After an abysmal 2023 campaign, they hope to rebound with key additions and a healthy Edwin Díaz. Finishing with a record of 75-87, I expect the Mets to win 8-12 more games in 2024 and challenge for a Wild Card spot. It’s not a big threat to the Braves, but Atlanta must not overlook the Mets.
Marlins and Nationals
I am grouping the division’s bottom feeders just for convenience. Losing their Ace Sandy Alcantara for the entire season due to elbow surgery, the Marlins are most likely not focused on the division title but focused on 2025. Despite this setback, they have promising talent such as Jazz Chisholm Jr. The Nationals are also focused on the future after they lack clear-cut talent on their opening-day roster. Washington’s farm system ranks 12th in the league, so they have that to look forward to.
As for the Marlins, they have the 2nd worst farm system according to MLB, but they are making strides to improve it. Max Meyer, Miami’s third-ranked prospect who they drafted with the third overall pick in 2020, made the 2024 starting rotation. With Sandy Alcántara out for the entire season due to elbow surgery, the Marlins are most likely not focused on the division title but focused on 2025. The Nationals are also focused on the future after they lack clear-cut talent on their opening-day roster. The Nationals farm system ranks 12th in the league, so they have that to look forward to. As for the Marlins, they have the 2nd worst farm system, according to MLB.
Atlanta should be expected to repeat as division champs. However, you have to keep an eye on the Phillies.
Main Photo Credits: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
