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Atlanta Braves narrowly favored to win NL East
Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Soroka throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals. (Photo by David John Griffin/Icon Sportswire)
March 2nd, 2020
The National League East promises to be among the most competitive divisions in baseball.
The Atlanta Braves, who have taken the division crown in each of the last two seasons, are listed as +200 favorites to make it three NL East titles in a row in 2020. However, there is another club that catches the eye at higher odds.
Atlanta bolstered its roster in the offseason
Atlanta made some solid additions to its lineup in the offseason. Marcell Ozuna (.800 OPS in 2019) was brought in to play left field, and his power bat can help make up for the loss of Josh Donaldson at third.
Taking Donaldson’s place at the hot corner is Johan Camargo, once a top prospect in the Braves' system who struggled in 2019 as he fought for regular playing time. However, Camargo is just one year removed from his first full season, in which he recorded an .806 OPS.
Another interesting addition is catcher Travis d’Arnaud, whom the Mets cut bait with in the middle of last season. He went on a tear once acquired by the Rays and hit .267, with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs. Adding Will Smith to an already-solid bullpen (fifth by ERA in the NL last year) only helps.
Braves rotation is a concern
Despite all the additions, the Braves' roster still seems flawed, as their starting rotation appears weak.
Mike Soroka (13-4, 2.68 ERA) is a great No. 1 starter, but longtime Brave Julio Teheran (10-11, 3.81 ERA in 2019) is now an Angel. Offseason signing Cole Hamels, who was supposed to fill Teheran’s shoes, may miss his first few turns around the rotation with an injury. Mike Foltynewicz (4.54 ERA) and Max Fried (4.02 ERA) are looking to improve on mediocre 2019 campaigns.
Phillies could a force to be reckoned with
The Phillies (+320) may be poised to take the mantle from the Braves in 2020.
New manager Joe Girardi represents a major upgrade over Gabe Kepler. Zack Wheeler, brought in on a five-year, $118 million contract, adds depth to a strong rotation led by Aaron Nola and Jake Arrieta. Didi Gregorius could provide value at shortstop on a “pillow deal” (one-year, $14 million), as he looks to rebound off an injury-plagued 2019.
Philadelphia appears to be the only team going forward in the NL East, unless you count the rebuilding Marlins. The Mets and Nationals are regression candidates, following up-and-down offseasons.
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