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Bo Bichette sends a heartfelt message to Blue Jays fans.
The 2026 MLB season is right around the corner, which means it’s prediction time for various elements of the upcoming season. Perhaps one of the toughest things to predict this offseason is the National League East winner, as it appears there are three firm contenders in the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Philadelphia Phillies. It’s also hard to count out the Miami Marlins as a contender with some of the talent they have and a strong finish to 2025.
MLB insider Jim Bowden recently revealed his predictions for where all 30 MLB teams will finish in 2026. The Mets have had a stellar offseason, according to Bowden, who gave them an “A-“ grade for their winter transactions. Further in the piece, Bowden predicts the Mets to be the ultimate winner of the NL East.
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Will the Mets Finish in 1st Place of the NL East?
It’s been 11 years since the New York Mets finished in first place in the NL East (2015).
The Phillies are back-to-back winners of one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, and before the Phillies, the Braves had won the NL East six straight times (2018-2023).
The Mets’ pursuit of an NL East crown has been well documented, and since David Stearns has taken over as president of baseball operations, he’s made several big moves to put the Mets in playoff contention.
Here is the big question Jim Bowden presents about the upcoming season and the prediction he gives:
GettyBo Bichette sends a heartfelt message to Blue Jays fans.
“Biggest question: Can Kodai Senga stay healthy? If he’s at his best, alongside Peralta and McLean, it would give the Mets a trio of starters that could thrive in the postseason.”
“Season prediction: First place”
It sounds like Bowden’s prediction is based on the starting rotation being deep and Kodai Senga being able to stay healthy.
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Who Will Win the NL East?
If not the Mets, then who will win the NL East? Let me know in the comments.
According to Bowden, the Braves will finish in second place, the Phillies in third, and the Marlins and Nationals will be in the cellar of the division.
Some of the Mets’ additions include: Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, Marcus Semien, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver.
Key subtractions are: Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil.
A full 162-game MLB is already long as it is, which is what makes predicting a division winner so difficult. It’s hard to foresee what hardships a team might endure later in the summer months.
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