The New York Mets are the defending National League East champions and enter the 2016 MLB season as the favorites to win the division once again. As we learned with the Washington Nationals last season, being the favorite doesn’t necessarily mean the Mets will win the division as they’ll face challenges from the Nationals, and possibly the Miami Marlins. Here are our 2016 NL East predictions.
5. Philadelphia Phillies 71-91
Getty ImagesThe Phillies are finally in the middle of a rebuild which means they're probably a couple years away from competing. The 2016 season will be huge in the progression of all the young talent for the team, but it likely won't lead to many wins.
4. Atlanta Braves 74-88
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The Braves will look a lot different as opposed to 2015. Hector Olivera, Ender Inciarte, Adonis Garcia and Erick Aybar are all projected to be new starters after another offseason full of trades for general manager John Hart. When their young pitching is ready in a year or two, the Braves will be extremely dangerous, but right now, they're too inexperienced.
3. Miami Marlins 78-84
Getty ImagesThe Marlins get Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Fernandez back from injury which should be a huge shot in the arm. Adding Wei-Yin Chen will give the team a nice one-two punch at the top of the rotation, but the other three starters and the bullpen leave a lot to be desired. With Don Mattingly in charge, I think the Marlins take a step forward, but not enough to challenge for a playoff spot.
2. Washington Nationals 88-74
Getty ImagesThe Nationals are the main threat to the Mets in the NL East. They completely rebuilt their bullpen, added Ben Revere and Daniel Murphy to the offense and moved Joe Ross and Tanner Roark into the starting rotation. With NL MVP Bryce Harper leading the way, the Nationals should be right there until the end, but the Mets get the edge because of starting pitching.
1. New York Mets 90-72
Getty ImagesThe Mets still possess the best starting staff in the majors, and they were able to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes to provide the offense with some thump. Although they did lose Daniel Murphy, general manager Sandy Alderson was able to swing a trade for Neil Walker which should allow the Mets to provide enough support for the pitching staff.
