While the lineup has improved, Miami will need just about everyone in the starting lineup to have a stellar year if they want to contend. More importantly, Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia will need to bounce back from poor performances last year. Soler has a player option next year, and could land a massive deal if he puts up another 40-homer season. Garrett Cooper had another strong campaign last year, posting a 115 wRC+ in 469 at-bats last year. The 31-year-old will look to replicate a similar slash, likely checking in at the four hole in this lineup. A lot of this lineup’s success will fall on Jazz Chisholm, who is coming off a spectacular 139 wRC+ slash in 241 plate appearances last year. The All-Star second baseman was named as the cover athlete for this year’s edition of MLB The Show, but still has much to prove if he wants to be ordained as a true superstar in this league. Joey Wendle and Jon Berti are great utility pieces in this lineup, providing great versatility and speed to the group. Jean Segura was Miami’s best signing over the offseason, providing them a solid veteran bat with experience at multiple infield positions. Jose Iglesias and Yuli Gurriel are two additional veterans set to join the group, hoping to provide strong depth and experience to the lineup. Miami will hope for 25-year-old Jesus Sanchez to bounce back this year after posting a lousy .214/13HR slash in 2022.
Despite dealing away Pablo Lopez in the offseason, this rotation is still young and full of potential. Reigning NL Cy Young Winner Sandy Alcantara was remarkable last season, posting a 2.28 ERA over 228 innings. Alcantara finished with six complete games, a higher total than other starting staff combined. Alcantara will look to lead an inexperienced, high-ceiling group that has a lot to prove. After posting great numbers coupled with an All-Star appearance in his rookie season, Trevor Rogers regressed heavily last season. The 25-year-old lefty posted a 5.47 ERA in 100+ innings of work, hoping to improve that mark this season. Lefty Jesus Luzardo seems to have found consistency in Miami. The former A’s top prospect posted a 3.32 ERA (3.12 FIP) in 100 innings of work, mainly thanks to his improved changeup which was 8.3 runs above average last season. Two time All-Star Johnny Cueto will join the rotation, who is currently dealing with some arm soreness after the WBC. While Cueto’s fastball hit 94 MPH in his lone WBC appearance, he did get a bit roughed up, giving up three earned runs in two innings against Puerto Rico. Cueto will bring a veteran presence to help lead and mentor this young group of arms. Edward Cabrera will likely get the last spot in this rotation, coming off a season full of interesting statistics. Over 71 innings, Cabrera posted a 3.01 ERA. On paper this is an impressive mark, but looking deeper Cabrera registered a 4.59 FIP. Cabrera’s ERA should have been a lot higher…perhaps suggesting he got very lucky. Regardless, the 25.8% strikeout rate is quite impressive for the soon-to-be 25 year old. It’s unclear when we will see young studs Max Meyer and Sixto Sanchez return, two additional powerful arms apart of this young staff. Sanchez reported to camp in great shape, hoping to compete for innings at the big league level. Sanchez hasn’t pitched since the 2020 playoffs, but is fully capable of becoming an ace. I’m really hoping we get to see him on a big league mound sometime this season.
Interestingly enough, another reason Sandy Alcantara had eight complete games last year was because the Marlins bullpen was so unreliable. Oftentimes Alcanatara would refuse to leave games because he was afraid his bullpen might blow a stellar outing. Miami addressed this issue over the offseason, bringing in three potential closing options. AJ Puk is a relatively young lefty arm who posted a strong 3.12 ERA (3.69 FIP) in 66 innings last year. JT Chargois was a reliable arm for the Rays last season, posting a 2.42 ERA in 22 innings. Matt Barnes is hoping to bounce back, coming to Miami in a trade with Boston. Hopefully one of these three relievers can establish themselves as a reliable closing option for the sake of the starting rotation.
While Luis Arraez was a great addition, analytically speaking he was the third-best hitter on a Twins team that missed the playoffs. Yet again, another offseason goes by and the Marlins lineup just still isn’t strong enough to make them a serious contender. Granted, Miami has done a great job acquiring high-ceiling talent over these past few years, but until they spent serious money or groom elite offensive production this team will be stuck at the bottom of the division for a very long time.
four top 100 prospects</a>, along with two young studs in <em><strong>Brady House</strong></em> and <em><strong>Jarlin Susana</strong></em> (whom I personally thought were snubbed from this list). Not to mention, Washington owns the second pick in this year’s entry draft. Developing and acquiring young talent will and should be Washington’s M.O. for this upcoming season.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #58595b" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Number 4 </a>
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wRC+ in 469 at-bats last year. The 31-year-old will look to replicate a similar slash, likely checking in at the four hole in this lineup. A lot of this lineup’s success will fall on <em><strong>Jazz Chisholm</strong></em>, who is coming off a spectacular 139 wRC+ slash in 241 plate appearances last year. The All-Star second baseman was named as the cover athlete for this year’s edition of MLB The Show, but still has much to prove if he wants to be ordained as a true superstar in this league. <em><strong>Joey Wendle</strong></em> and <em><strong>Jon Berti</strong></em> are great utility pieces in this lineup, providing great versatility and speed to the group. Jean Segura was Miami’s best signing over the offseason, providing them a solid veteran bat with experience at multiple infield positions. <em><strong>Jose Iglesias</strong></em> and<em><strong> Yuli Gurriel</strong></em> are two additional veterans set to join the group, hoping to provide strong depth and experience to the lineup. Miami will hope for 25-year-old <em><strong>Jesus Sanchez</strong></em> to bounce back this year after posting a lousy .214/13HR slash in 2022.</p>
<p>Despite dealing away Pablo Lopez in the offseason, this rotation is still young and full of potential. Reigning NL Cy Young Winner <em><strong>Sandy Alcantara</strong></em> was remarkable last season, posting a 2.28 ERA over 228 innings. Alcantara finished with six complete games, a higher total than other starting staff combined. Alcantara will look to lead an inexperienced, high-ceiling group that has a lot to prove. After posting great numbers coupled with an All-Star appearance in his rookie season, <em><strong>Trevor Rogers</strong></em> regressed heavily last season. The 25-year-old lefty posted a 5.47 ERA in 100+ innings of work, hoping to improve that mark this season. Lefty <em><strong>Jesus Luzardo</strong></em> seems to have found consistency in Miami. The former A’s top prospect posted a 3.32 ERA (3.12<a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/fielding-independent-pitching"> FIP</a>) in 100 innings of work, mainly thanks to his improved changeup which was <a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.fangraphs.com/players/jesus-luzardo/19959/stats?position=P%22>8.3 runs above average</a> last season. Two time All-Star <em><strong>Johnny Cueto</strong></em> will join the rotation, who is currently dealing with some arm soreness after the WBC. While Cueto’s fastball hit 94 MPH in his lone WBC appearance, he did get a bit roughed up, giving up three earned runs in two innings against Puerto Rico. Cueto will bring a veteran presence to help lead and mentor this young group of arms. <em><strong>Edward Cabrera</strong></em> will likely get the last spot in this rotation, coming off a season full of interesting statistics. Over 71 innings, Cabrera posted a 3.01 ERA. On paper this is an impressive mark, but looking deeper Cabrera registered a 4.59 FIP. Cabrera’s ERA should have been a lot higher…perhaps suggesting he got very lucky. Regardless, the 25.8% strikeout rate is quite impressive for the soon-to-be 25 year old. It’s unclear when we will see young studs <em><strong>Max Meyer</strong> </em>and <em><strong>Sixto Sanchez</strong></em> return, two additional powerful arms apart of this young staff. Sanchez reported to camp <a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.mlb.com/news/sixto-sanchez-on-health-entering-spring-training">in great shape</a>, hoping to compete for innings at the big league level. Sanchez hasn’t pitched since the 2020 playoffs, but is fully capable of becoming an ace. I’m really hoping we get to see him on a big league mound sometime this season.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, another reason Sandy Alcantara had eight complete games last year was because the Marlins bullpen was so unreliable. Oftentimes Alcanatara would refuse to leave games because he was afraid his bullpen might blow a stellar outing. Miami addressed this issue over the offseason, bringing in three potential closing options. <em><strong>AJ Puk</strong></em> is a relatively young lefty arm who posted a strong 3.12 ERA (3.69 FIP) in 66 innings last year. <em><strong>JT Chargois</strong></em> was a reliable arm for the Rays last season, posting a 2.42 ERA in 22 innings. <em><strong>Matt Barnes</strong></em> is hoping to bounce back, coming to Miami in a trade with Boston. Hopefully one of these three relievers can establish themselves as a reliable closing option for the sake of the starting rotation.</p>
<p>While Luis Arraez was a great addition, analytically speaking he was the third-best hitter on a Twins team that missed the playoffs. Yet again, another offseason goes by and the Marlins lineup just still isn’t strong enough to make them a serious contender. Granted, Miami has done a great job acquiring high-ceiling talent over these past few years, but until they spent serious money or groom elite offensive production this team will be stuck at the bottom of the division for a very long time.</p>
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which hitters have continually struggled with</a>, making him a strong contender for NL Rookie of the Year. The Mets also added <em><strong>Jose Quintana</strong></em> on a two-year deal this offseason, adding another solid veteran arm to the mix. Last year was a bounce-back season for Quintana, serving as a stellar deadline acquisition for the St. Louis Cardinals. Quintana posted a 2.01 ERA in 63 innings with St. Louis, including five scoreless innings in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card. However, the 34 year old sustained a rib lesion in spring training, likely keeping him out until at least july. With Quintana out for some time, <em><strong>Tylor Megill</strong></em>, <em><strong>Carlos Carrasco</strong></em> and <em><strong>David Peterson</strong> </em>all have a chance to be a piece in the rotation come Opening Day. While some anticipate Megill may have a bullpen role, I think it would be smart to ease Megill back into this rotation. At 27, Megill is the youngest arm on this veteran staff, and it would be wise for New York to establish Megill as a reliable option in this rotation for years to come. He certainly has the arsenal to do it. Overall, a huge tip of the cap to the Mets front office. It’s an incredible accomplishment to somehow band together a top five rotation despite losing both deGrom and Bassitt.</p>
<p>The bullpen took a devastating hit, with closer <em><strong>Edwin Diaz</strong></em> out for the season after injuring himself in the WBC. Fortunately, New York signed closer<em><strong> David Robertson</strong></em> over the offseason, who has been nothing but stellar in the past two postseasons. Over the past two postseasons, Robertson has surrendered just one run over 11.2 innings pitched, making him very worthy of the closing role this season. <em><strong>Adam Ottavino</strong></em> was re-signed, giving New York a strong option for a potential setup man. The deep group also features lefty <em><strong>Brooks Raley</strong></em> and righty <em><strong>Drew Smith</strong></em>, both of whom are coming off seasons with sub 3.50 ERAs.</p>
<p><em><strong>Francisco Lindor</strong></em> blasted 27 homers last season hitting .270, silencing the haters and proving he is still one of the best two-way players in our game. It was business as usual for <em><strong>Pete Alonso</strong></em>, who eclipsed the 40-homer mark for the second time in his career last season, leading the team with a 143 wRC+. Alonso and Lindor will look to lead one of the deepest lineups in our game. After another productive offensive season, <em><strong>Brandon Nimmo</strong></em> got a massive eight-year, $162 million deal. Nimmo is currently dealing with a <a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/new-york-mets-injury-update-brandon-nimmo">sprained knee/ankle</a>, and may start the year on the IL. With James McCann traded, free agent signing <em><strong>Omar Narvaez</strong></em> will start behind the dish this year. Narvaez will likely platoon with <em><strong>Tomas Nido</strong></em>, with <em><strong>Francisco Alvarez</strong></em>, the <a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.mlb.com/prospects/top100/francisco-alvarez-682626">number three overall</a> prospect in baseball, starting the year at Triple-A. <em><strong>Starling Marte</strong></em> missed the WBC recovering from surgery, aiming to be back in the lineup for Opening Day. The two time All-Star is coming off his best season, registering a 136 wRC+ in 505 at-bats. DH <em><strong>Daniel Vogelbach</strong></em> proved to be a worthy acquisition during the trade deadline, with Vogelbach slashing a career high 128 wRC+ last season. Vogelbach will look to replicate these stellar numbers, likely only in the starting lineup against righties. <em><strong>Mark Canha</strong></em> also posted a 128 wRC+, further establishing himself as a reliable top of the order bat on a contending team. The bench makes this lineup even deeper, with <em><strong>Darin Ruf</strong></em>, <em><strong>Luis Guillorme</strong></em>, and <em><strong>Tommy Pham</strong></em> all viable options. Just about everyone will have their eyes on prospects <em><strong>Brett Baty</strong></em> and <em><strong>Mark Vientos</strong></em>, two of New York’s highest-rated prospects. After homering in his first big league at bat, Baty struggled mightily, hitting .184 in 38 at-bats.</p>
<p>Sure, last year was better than the 2021 dumpster fire. Last season, the Mets made it to the postseason and won 100 games … but let’s not act like the annual late-season collapse didn’t happen again. The Mets lost a late season series to Atlanta, moving them to a Wild Card spot which resulted in a playoff series loss at home to the San Diego Padres. While the Mets may have a better team on paper, the execution just isn’t there yet, at least until they prove otherwise. Regardless, this is a strong Mets squad that has limitless potential come October.</p>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">ATLANTA, GA – JULY 12: Spencer Strider #65 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the second inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on July 12, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)</p>
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<h4>NL East preview: 1. Atlanta Braves</h4>
<p>The Braves have dominated this division for the last half-decade, looking for a sixth straight division title coming into the 2023 season. <em><strong>Ronald Acuña Jr.</strong></em> had a down year last season, and will hope to throw his name back into the MVP conversation with a bounce back year.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Acuña Jr. isn’t the only potential MVP in this lineup, with <em><strong>Austin Riley</strong></em> and <em><strong>Michael Harris</strong></em> looking to put up stellar numbers again this year. After another MVP caliber slash, Riley has cemented himself as one of the best hitters in our game. Maybe I’m reaching with Harris, but he’s arguably the most promising young superstar in our game. He reminds me a lot of when Jason Heyward first came into the big leagues with the Braves. A true five tool player, Harris’ ability to hit for power and contact, along with elite speed and defense makes him a special player to watch. After acquiring <em><strong>Sean Murphy</strong></em> in the offseason, Atlanta now boasts the best catching tandem in the league. Murphy along with <em><strong>Travis d’Arnaud</strong></em>, will bring elite defense and strong offensive production, making this lineup even more dangerous. After a slow start, <em><strong>Matt Olso</strong><strong>n</strong></em> found his groove, returning to form and posting his third consecutive season with 30-plus home runs. With <em><strong>Vaughn Grissom</strong></em> optioned to Triple-A, it looks as if <em><strong>Orlando Arcia</strong></em> will get the nod at shortstop. Arcia had a strong showing in last year’s postseason, going 3-for-10 with a home run against the Phillies. <em><strong>Ozzie Albies</strong></em> will join Arcia in the middle infield, trying to bounce back after his worst statistical season offensively. <em><strong>Eddie Rosario</strong></em> will start in left, still having trouble shaking his offensive struggles. Rosario hit .212 last season and has just three hits in spring training.</p>
<p><em><strong>Max Fried</strong> </em>will get the ball on Opening Day after posting another stellar regular season stat-line of a 2.48 ERA with 170 strikeouts over 185 innings. Fried surprisingly pitched poorly in his lone postseason start, surrendering four earned runs against the Phillies. He’s due for a contract extension soon, probably looking for a multi-year deal around $25 million AAV. If Fried departs, <em><strong>Spencer Strider</strong></em> could be the new ace of the staff. Strider, along with Brewers starter Corbin Burnes, were my two best picks for the NL Cy Young Award. As long as he can stay healthy, Strider’s high strikeout rate along with his elite efficiency makes him an awesome pick for the NL Cy Young. Last season, <em><strong>Kyle Wright</strong></em> proved to be a valuable piece of the rotation, posting a 3.19 (3.58 FIP) over 180 innings last season. <em><strong>Charlie Morton</strong></em> will enter his 16th season, providing a strong clubhouse presence for the young arms on this staff. With <em><strong>Ian Anderson</strong></em> and <em><strong>Bryce Elder</strong></em> <a href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/03/braves-option-ian-anderson-bryce-elder.html">optioned to Triple-A</a>, it looks as if either <em><strong>Jared Shuster</strong></em> or <em><strong>Dylan Dodd</strong></em> will take the number five starting role. I think just about everyone is rooting for <em><strong>Mike Soroka</strong></em> to pitch this season. Soroka hasn’t pitched since 2020 and, after two Achilles tears, it looks as if the 25-year-old will rejoin the roster at some point this season.</p>
<p>The bullpen remains elite as usual, with <em><strong>AJ Minter</strong></em>, <em><strong>Raisel Iglesias</strong></em>, and <em><strong>Colin McHugh</strong></em> making up the elite arms in this pen. After a rocky start on a new contract extension with the Angels, Raisel Iglesias found his stride in Atlanta, likely taking on the closing duties this season once he returns from injury.</p>
<p>Once again, Atlanta comes into this season with a talented roster, and has proven year after year this is their division. Until someone overtakes them, how can you not like the Braves to bring home another NL East title?</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Previewing and predicting the NL Central" data-url="https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/02/mlb-predictons-nl-central/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #58595b" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/26/mlb-division-predictions-nl-east/2/"https://calltothepen.com/2023/03/02/mlb-predictons-nl-central/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Previewing and predicting the NL Central </a> </div>
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