2019 Predictions; NL East

In 2018, the American League East was arguably the toughest division in all of Baseball, featuring 3 teams with 90 or more wins and 2 with 100+. Now, in 2019, that title will likely go to the NL East where 4 of the 5 teams are destined for success this time around.

Last season, the Atlanta Braves, much to my surprise, ran away with the NL East division, finishing 90-72 and 8 games ahead of the Washington Nationals. The Phillies ended up in 3rd place after a dismal last few weeks of the season, including a 2-8 record in their final 10 games. The Mets were not too far behind Philadelphia, and the Marlins were in a league of their own with 98 losses.

Although they lost Bryce Harper to free agency, the Nationals boosted their already-strong rotation, making it one of the best in Baseball. Besides signing Patrick Corbin to a 6-year $140 million dollar deal, Washington didn't make too many significant moves this offseason.

The Mets, on the other hand, did the exact opposite as the Nationals by completing a blockbuster trade with the Mariners. After acquiring Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano from Seattle, the Mets are clearly ready to contend in the NL East. 

Even though they've established themselves as a legitimate threat, just wonder if the Mets have what it takes to contend with the Braves and Phillies.

In what has been the toughest division to predict thus far, the NL East's top teams proved challenging to rank. I'm definitely expecting a shake-up in this division in 2019, and I'm hoping to be more accurate than I was with the NL East last year.

1st Place; Philadelphia Phillies

Although they fell off the map towards the end of 2018, I have extremely high hopes for the Phillies in 2019. In addition to signing marquee free agent Bryce Harper to a mega contract worth $330 million dollars, the Phillies have all the pieces for a World Series run.

Beyond the stats he puts up, Harper's going to leave a significant impact on this Phillies team. I can definitely see him aiding in the development of Rhys Hoskins who struggled with his batting average in 2018. Jean Segura will also provide a veteran presence as one of the most underrated players in Baseball.

As far as the pitching goes, they have a former Cy Young award winner in Jake Arrieta and a young stud in Aaron Nola. They don't have the strongest pitching beyond those 2 starters, so hopefully, the new guys like Andrew McCutchen and J.T. Realmuto can help out.

Simply put, if this top-tier roster performs to the best of its abilities, the Phillies will make their way to the top of the NL East division.

2nd Place; Atlanta Braves

Rookie phenom Ronald Acuña Jr was unbelievable in 2018, earning the NL Rookie of the Year award and MVP votes. Up until the 2nd half, Ozzie Albies was also fantastic. However, will this young Braves team remain consistent after exceeding expectations in 2018?

Only time will tell, but resigning All-Star Nick Markakis was a huge step in the right direction for Atlanta. They have the foundation for a strong rotation that includes Julio Teheran and Sean Newcomb. They finished 8th in Baseball last season with a 3.75 ERA, so they definitely have a well-rounded team overall.

In a weaker division, I could see the Braves finishing 1st with over 90 wins. Although they have a strong chance of finishing 2019 with a higher win total than last season, I don't believe it's enough to beat out the Phillies.

3rd Place; New York Mets

Despite a historic performance that included a 1.70 ERA and 269 strikeouts, 2018 NL Cy Young award winner, Jacob DeGrom, managed just 10 wins in 2018. This was thanks to a Mets lineup that failed to provide even 3 runs for DeGrom most times that he pitched.

In an attempt to rectify that and provide a stronger closer to maintain DeGrom's win, the Mets completed the previously-mentioned blockbuster trade with the Mariners to acquire Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz. 

Although Diaz is only 25 years of age, Cano is 36 years old, and that's something that worries me. Even though they have a few young hitters in place, New York can't depend on a 36-year old Cano as their primary means of offensive production. 

Alas, if that's their plan in 2019, they won't be able to contend with the Phillies and Braves for the top spot in this division.

4th Place; Washington Nationals

The Nationals may have one of the strongest rotations in Baseball, including Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin, but the departure of Bryce Harper is going to leave a void that's going to take time to fill. 

I wouldn't be surprised if the Nationals and the Mets switched spots in the division if Juan Soto continues to develop as one of Baseball's best hitters. His unbelievable performance in 2018 established him as the building block for Washington's future. 

Along with Trea Turner, the Nationals have the young pieces necessary to manage without Bryce Harper. However, I don't see this team returning to the postseason as is, especially in the toughest division in Baseball

5th Place; Miami Marlins

Is this decision even debatable? I seriously doubt that any of the 4 talented teams in the NL East are going to finish below the Miami Marlins, a team that traded away their last star player, J.T. Realmuto, to the Phillies over the offseason.

Besides Starlin Castro, this team has virtually no experience, and it's going to be a few years before all the prospects they traded for are finally MLB-ready. Until then, it's going to be a series of difficult seasons for Miami, all while lacking a true franchise player.

For Derek Jeter's sake, I pray that the prospects Miami traded for develop the way their supposed to or better. Because, if not, all these years of mediocrity will have been for nothing.