2022 MLB National League East Futures Odds and Picks

Some of the teams in the National League East were not afraid to spend money, and Atlanta Braves fans had reason to be both disappointed and elated. But coming hard with a mountain of cash, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen asserts that he’s stopping at nothing.

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They’ve even established a new level for him in the luxury tax. Obviously the season for deals isn’t over, and we saw who the defending World Series champs pulled a few rabbits out of their hat to vault themselves over the top.

Let’s take a look at each team in the National League East (listed in alphabetical order):

Atlanta Braves Team Preview 2022

Atlanta Braves Team Page

To Win Division: +125

To Win NL Pennant: +550

To Win World Series: +1100

Of course, when considering the situation with the Braves, one must acknowledge that they won only 88 games in the 2021 regular season. That having been said, this looks like a pretty solid lineup, even though they have had to replace Freddie Freeman. Matt Olson, the new first baseman, should put up numbers. There is power throughout the batting order. Ozzie Albies hit 30 home runs. Austin Riley cracked 33. Adam Duval had a whopping 113 runs batted in. We’ll see if Marcell Ozuna can make a comeback after being sidetracked last season and hitting just .213.

Players returning from injuries will certainly play a big part in this story. Most prominent, of course, is Ronald Acuna, who tore his ACL last season after hitting 24 homers over half the schedule. He will start the season on the injured list, but is recovering, and should be back soon enough. Pitcher Mike Soroka, who tore his Achilles, could be back by July. Remember that in 2019, he won 13 games with a 2.68 ERA and was sixth in the Cy Young balloting. The closer is Kenley Jansen, second in MLB in saves last season, who signed a one-year, $16 million deal. One thing other teams in this division have to be wary about is that GM Alex Anthopoulos is likely to make whatever moves are necessary.

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Miami Marlins Team Preview 2022

Miami Marlins Team Page

To Win Division: +1200

To Win NL Pennant: +2800

To Win World Series: +6600

Well, you can’t say that the Marlins didn’t try to make some moves to improve themselves. They added two power hitters in Avisail Garcia and Jorge Soler, who will make up two-thirds of the outfield. Brian Anderson, a key guy in the lineup, seeks to rebound from injury. Joey Wendle also comes over from Tampa Bay, and his versatility comes in handy. Jacob Stallings, a Gold Glove-caliber catcher, was added as well. There’s a good young nucleus in the starting rotation, giving this team some hope for the present and future. It’s kind of a mystery to some why Derek Jeter quit his role as the head of baseball operations. Reports were that he was angry the team would not open the wallet more to obtain Nick Castellanos, but the gossip is that majority owner Bruce Sherman was disappointed that Jeter could not do something to generate more attendance.

New York Mets Team Preview 2022

New York Mets Team Page

To Win Division: +200

To Win NL Pennant: +600

To Win World Series: +1200

The Mets certainly were not stagnant in the offseason. And indications are that they are not finished yet. Coming aboard is future Hall of Fame pitchger Max Scherzer, who signed for three years and $130 million. He was sizzling down the stretch for the Dodgers (7-0,1.98 ERA). They also acquired Chris Bassitt, an All Star last season, in the Oakland Athletics’ fire sale. Can Taijuan Walker repeat his All-Star performance? And can the Mets get anything out of Carlos Carrasco? These are obviously key questions, because of the fact that Jacob deGrom, who looked like he was on his way to a record-setting season last year before going down with an injury, will be out for a couple of months with shoulder issues. A difference maker among the newcomers could be Starling Marte, who led the major leagues in stolen bases and was in the top 10 in on-base percentage. New manager Buck Showalter now gets a chance to redeem himself after things became a disaster area around him in Baltimore.

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Philadelphia Phillies Team Preview 2022

Philadelphia Phillies Team Page

To Win Division: +325

To Win NL Pennant: +1100

To Win World Series: +2200

The Phillies have the basic rudiments of a very good starting rotation. Zack Wheeler actually led everyone in the National League in war (Wins Above Replacement) and Aaron Nola is capable of bouncing back. The bullpen improved last season, but we are not sure that saying a whole lot, as their ERA dropped from 7.06 in 2020 to 4.60 in 2021. Clearly this team hopes to bludgeon opponents to death. They already have the MVP in Bryce Harper, who is on base all the time. JT Realmuto is up there with the top offensive catchers in baseball. They’ve added Kyle Schwarber, with plenty of home run pop, and he seems to be comfortable in the leadoff spot, believe it or not. Occupying the designated hitter spot most of the time will be Nick Castellanos, a prized free-agent acquisition who has led the majors in extra-base hits over the last four seasons. There is plenty of supporting cast, including the dangerous Rhys Hoskins, shortstop Didi Gregorius and second baseman Jean Segura. So they’ll score runs for Joe Girardi; the big challenge is how the former All-Star catcher is going to manipulate his staff.

Washington Nationals Team Preview 2022

Washington Nationals Team Page

To Win Division: +4000

To Win NL Pennant: +7500

To Win World Series: +15000

It was quite a feat for the Nationals to finish in last place, below even Miami last season. And things are not starting right in 2022. Stephen Strasburg, who has pitched only 26 -2/3 Innings over the last two seasons, it’s still recovering from his thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, and might miss a month or so. When healthy, he has always been more than formidable. Second starter Joe Ross is out for about two months after surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow. Obviously, Juan Soto who led the majors with a .465 on base percentage, is one of the best in the business. He’ll be protected in the lineup somewhat by veteran DH Nelson Cruz, who’s got 449 career homers.

2022 National League East Division Winner Prediction

1) Atlanta Braves

2) Philadelphia Phillies

3) New York Mets

4) Miami Marlins

5) Washington Nationals

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Charles Jay
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