Previewing the National League East Division Standings for 2023 MLB Season

Previewing the NL East Division in 2023

The National League East division has been one of the most competitive in Major League Baseball over the past decade. With powerhouses like the Atlanta Braves and upstart teams like the New York Mets battling it out each season, the race for the division crown promises to be tight once again in 2023.

The Reigning Champ Atlanta Braves Look to Repeat

The defending World Series champion Braves have won the NL East title five years straight now. They’ll be looking to continue that streak this season behind a loaded lineup featuring All-Stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. The Braves also boast an impressive pitching staff headlined by Max Fried and Kyle Wright. If their offense keeps clicking and the rotation stays healthy, Atlanta should capture yet another division title.

New York Mets Hope Offseason Moves Pay Off

After missing out on the playoffs with a late season collapse last year, the New York Mets had arguably the most active offseason of any NL East squad. They added former Cy Young award winner and native New Yorker Justin Verlander to fortify their rotation alongside co-aces Max Scherzer and Carlos Carrasco. The Mets also traded for All-Star reliever David Robertson and signed veteran slugger José Abreu to bolster their offense. If their high-profile acquisitions pan out as hoped, the Mets could push the Braves for division supremacy.

Philadelphia Phillies Want More Postseason Magic

The Phillies broke a lengthy playoff drought last year in thrilling fashion, upsetting the Braves in the NLDS and taking the pennant before falling to the Astros in the World Series. Hoping to make another magical run, Philadelphia re-signed slugger Kyle Schwarber and upgraded their rotation by adding Taijuan Walker in free agency. With reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper powering their lineup alongside Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies definitely have enough star power to contend. Their questionable bullpen remains an issue however.

Young Marlins and Nationals Still Rebuilding

While the top three teams in the division harbor playoff aspirations, the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals find themselves still rebuilding. Both Miami and Washington feature exciting young talent like Jazz Chisholm Jr., Bryan De La Cruz, Juan Soto, and C.J. Abrams. However their unproven rotations still seem a year or two away from allowing them to compete. Battling for fourth and fifth place in the division seems likely for both clubs in 2023. But their rising farm systems provide hope for the not-so-distant future.

Can Anyone Dethrone the Atlanta Braves?

Bolstered by a loaded offense and deep pitching staff, the Braves have developed into a perennial NL powerhouse under manager Brian Snitker. Until someone actually manages to overtake them atop the division standings, Atlanta remains the team to beat in the East. With many key pieces still in their primes, the Braves shouldn't face serious resistance to their division crown in 2023 unless injuries strike.

Mets Need Offseason Moves to Pay Dividends Quickly

New Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown his willingness to spend big in order to win now. The Mets know the window to capitalize on Scherzer and deGrom's remaining ace production could close quickly. For all their offensive and rotational upgrades, the Mets bullpen and defense remain suspect. Significant regression from any of their injury-prone stars could also derail New York's title hopes. But if the Mets finally put it all together this year, they could push Atlanta like no team has in years.

Phillies Need Young Hitters to Take Next Step

Riding the momentum of last year's exciting playoff run, the Phillies retain the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. What they still lack is reliable pitching depth behind Wheeler and newly acquired Taijuan Walker. Philadelphia also needs continued development from young bats like Alec Bohm, Bryson Stott, and Nick Maton to reach their full potential. Staying healthy and improving their run prevention ability represents the Phillies best bet to close the gap on Atlanta in 2023.

Exciting Young Marlins Still a Year or Two Away

Stocked with talented prospects at nearly every position, the Marlins have assembled an impressive core of athletic young players. However with Sandy Alcantara the lone established arm in their rotation, run prevention remains an issue keeping Miami from seriously contending now. Rookie of the Year runner-up Bryson Stallings should provide impact bats, but fellow rising starts like JJ Bleday and Eury Perez need more seasoning. While their future looks bright though, immediate competition with the NL East leading pack still seems unlikely for the 2023 Marlins.

Nationals Still Regrouping after Losing Soto

After trading superstar Juan Soto last summer, the Nationals find themselves rebooting their rebuild once again. Hope exists thanks to an infusion of talented prospects like first baseman Darren Baker, shortstop Brady House, and outfielder Elijah Green. However like Miami, Washington lacks proven pitching to seriously threaten established contenders. With little expectation of contention, 2023 projects as another developmental season for the Nationals and new manager Davey Martinez to groom the next generation of Washington baseball.

FAQs

Who won the NL East in 2022?

The Atlanta Braves won the NL East division title in 2022 with a 101-61 record. It was their fifth straight division championship.

Which team improved the most this offseason?

The New York Mets had the most active offseason, adding players like Justin Verlander, David Robertson and Jose Abreu to try and unseat the Braves atop the division.

Are the Phillies a contender after last year's World Series run?

Yes, the Phillies return the core of last year's pennant-winning team including Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. They'll need their pitching staff to perform to contend with Atlanta and New York though.

How far away are the Marlins and Nationals from competing?

Both Miami and Washington have stockpiled young talent, but likely remain a year or two away from seriously challenging for the division crown as their rebuilds continue.

Who is the early favorite to win the 2023 NL East?

The Braves have won five straight division titles and until dethroned remain the favorites, boasting an impressive balance of offense, defense, and pitching.