The Washington Nationals were supposed to run away with the National League East this season as baseball’s most talented team, but that isn’t how it’s gone so far this year. They’re still the most talented team, but will they win the division crown? Here is how things figure to play out over the rest of the season.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 64-98
Coming into this season, not many people expected the Phillies to finish anywhere but last in their division, and nothing they've shown has done anything to change those expectations. They're already a bad team, and if they move players like Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard, they're going to be even worse down the stretch.
Projected Record: 64-98
Coming into this season, not many people expected the Phillies to finish anywhere but last in their division, and nothing they've shown has done anything to change those expectations. They're already a bad team, and if they move players like Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard, they're going to be even worse down the stretch.
4. Atlanta Braves
Getty Images
Projected Record: 77-85
If the Braves are able to finish with 77 wins this season, that would actually be considered a success in something of a rebuilding year. They acquired Shelby Miller this offseason, who has been a top pitcher in the National League, and he will be there beyond 2015. There are still a lot of question marks surrounding Atlanta, but the future looks bright despite a likely losing record this season.
Projected Record: 77-85
If the Braves are able to finish with 77 wins this season, that would actually be considered a success in something of a rebuilding year. They acquired Shelby Miller this offseason, who has been a top pitcher in the National League, and he will be there beyond 2015. There are still a lot of question marks surrounding Atlanta, but the future looks bright despite a likely losing record this season.
3. Miami Marlins
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 78-84
Miami was active this offseason and looked like a potential contender this year. However, they've underachieved and been hit with the injury bug, and they find themselves as one of the most disappointing teams in the game. With the talent they have, though, and with Jose Fernandez set to come back after the All-Star Break, they could make a run. Even so, they might not have enough to be seriously competitive.
Projected Record: 78-84
Miami was active this offseason and looked like a potential contender this year. However, they've underachieved and been hit with the injury bug, and they find themselves as one of the most disappointing teams in the game. With the talent they have, though, and with Jose Fernandez set to come back after the All-Star Break, they could make a run. Even so, they might not have enough to be seriously competitive.
2. New York Mets
Getty ImagesProjected Record: 85-77
With a very good six-man rotation, the Mets have shown they can hang with the Nationals so far. However, the Nationals have dealt with a number of injuries and are still right there with the Mets. If the Mets can't acquire a big bat at the deadline, they're just not going to have enough firepower to win the division.
Projected Record: 85-77
With a very good six-man rotation, the Mets have shown they can hang with the Nationals so far. However, the Nationals have dealt with a number of injuries and are still right there with the Mets. If the Mets can't acquire a big bat at the deadline, they're just not going to have enough firepower to win the division.
1. Washington Nationals
Brad Mills-USA TODAY SportsProjected Record: 90-72
Even though they've stumbled out of the gate a bit, the Nationals are still the strong favorites in the NL East. Max Scherzer is pitching the best baseball of his life, the lineup is slowly getting healthy and Stephen Strasburg hasn't even pitched much this year. If they can get things figured out coming out of the All-Star Break, they could be a dangerous team in October.
Projected Record: 90-72
Even though they've stumbled out of the gate a bit, the Nationals are still the strong favorites in the NL East. Max Scherzer is pitching the best baseball of his life, the lineup is slowly getting healthy and Stephen Strasburg hasn't even pitched much this year. If they can get things figured out coming out of the All-Star Break, they could be a dangerous team in October.
