Will The Mets Let Alonso Walk?

Plus Atlanta’s Division Title In Permanent Ink

I hope you all are doing better than I am today as I sit here writing this wondering why on earth the Monday after the Super Bowl isn't a holiday, or why we don’t just move the Super Bowl to Saturday. Anyway, now that Football season is officially over, and two teams have had pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training so far, we can say Baseball is within arms reach. The American League breakdowns last week were fun and I’m excited to finish off with the National League this week. Shocking absolutely nobody, I expect the Braves to own this division from wire to wire. It will be theirs to lose, but how the rest of the division shakes out might surprise you. Here are the key additions, subtractions, and how I see the standings shaking out. Let me know in the poll what you think!

1. Atlanta Braves 🥇 

Additions: Reynaldo López, Jarred Kelenic, Chris Sale, Evan White, Aaron Bummer, David Fletcher
Subtractions: Vaughn Grissom, Jackson Kowar, Kevin Pillar, Jesse Chavez, Brad Hand, Kirby Yates, Eddie Rosario, Michael Soroka
Why? What is there to say about this team that we don’t already know? Barring significant injury, you can put them down in permanent ink to make the playoffs via Division Title. That’s when this team will have to answer some questions.

2. Philadelphia Phillies 🥈 

Additions: Kolby Allard, Michael Rucker, Spencer Turnbull
Subtractions: Rhys Hoskins, Michael Lorenzen, Craig Kimbrel
Why: The Phillies will need significant help from the Braves to have a shot at winning this division, but that says more about how great the Braves are than anything. Without another move before the trade deadline, I’m not sold bringing back the same cast of characters for another run is going to work.

3. Miami Marlins 🥉 

Additions: Christian Bethancourt, Trey Mancini, Nick Gordon
Subtractions: Jacob Stallings, Garrett Hampson, David Robertson Joey Wendle, Yuli Gurriel, Jorge Soler, Johnny Cueto, Steven Okert
Why: Even with Sandy Alcantara down for the season, I like this team’s pitching rotation to go win them games. Jazz Chisholm Jr. should take a step forward this season as well. This team will finish either just above or at the .500 mark.

4. New York Mets

Additions: Sean Manaea, Harrison Bader, Adrian Houser, Tyrone Taylor, Jorge Lopez, Luis Severino, Shintaro Fujinami, Joey Wendle
Subtractions: Daniel Vogelbach, Carlos Carrasco, Luis Guillorme,
Why: I’m expecting the Mets to continue to re-tool their team and maintain a near .500 record. The #1 item on the Mets agenda needs to be a Pete Alonso extension. If they let him walk, expect the New York papers to light up Uncle Stevie Cohen.

5. Washington Nationals

Additions: Joey Gallo, Dylan Floro, Nick Senzel
Subtractions: Dominic Smith, Carl Edwards Jr.
Why: This team will be in a dogfight for last place in the National League. They didn’t take any significant step forward from their 71-win season last year.

• Nick Gordon from the Twins is sent to the Marlins in exchange for Steven Okert

• Phillies sign Spencer Turnbull for 1yr, $2M

Check out this video MLB put out of the top 5 MLB candidates for both leagues. Every one of these guys is a must-see every night. Grab some peanuts or cracker jacks and watch Baseball’s best.

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