costly error<\/a> from right-hander Orion Kerkering helping the Los Angeles Dodgers eventually win the World Series.<\/p>\nThe Phillies enter the 2026 campaign without Ranger Su\u00e1rez, who posted a 3.20 ERA across 157.1 innings in 2025. Su\u00e1rez was one of the top free-agent pitching options during the offseason and signed a five-year, $130 million with the Boston Red Sox. <\/p>\n
Philadelphia\u2019s rotation remains formidable, featuring Cy Young runner-up Cristopher S\u00e1nchez and Jes\u00fas Luzardo, alongside the eventual return of right-hander Zack Wheeler from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. The bullpen is anchored by fireballer Jhoan Dur\u00e1n.<\/p>\n
The Phillies have largely kept their offensive core. The team retained Kyle Schwarber, who launched 56 home runs last year, and catcher J.T. Realmuto, a veteran backstop who has consistently proven his value to the club. Stars such as Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are also back for another go.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s still a highly talented squad, but how much longer this core of 30-something veterans can continue to perform at a high level remains an open question.<\/p>\n
New York Mets (83-79)![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BJWGO6UZ7FHVXBOX5JAPX6TXRY.jpg\")
New York Mets’ Juan Soto watches as he flies out to Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong during the first inning of a baseball game in Chicago, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo\/Nam Y. Huh)(Nam Y. Huh | AP)<\/p>\n
Notable additions: SS Bo Bichette, RHP Freddy Peralta, OF Luis Robert Jr., 2B Marcus Semien, RHP Devin Williams, 2B Jorge Polanco, RHP Luke Weaver, RHP Tobias Myers, OF MJ Melendez, RHP Luis Garcia, RHP Craig Kimbrel, OF Mike Tauchman<\/p>\n
Notable subtractions: 1B Pete Alonso, RHP Edwin Diaz, OF Brandon Nimmo, UTIL Jeff McNeil, RHP Tyler Rogers, RHP Brandon Sproat, 2B Luisangel Acu\u00f1a, OF Cedric Mullins, OF Starling Marte, RHP Ryan Helsley, LHP Gregory Soto, RHP Ryne Stanek, LHP Danny Young, RHP Cooper Criswell, RHP Griffin Canning, RHP Drew Smith<\/p>\n
The New York Mets are coming off a disappointing season despite signing Juan Soto to a record 15-year, $765 million contract. So, they went back to the drawing board, let some key veterans go and brought in a whole bunch of talent.<\/p>\n
Roster mainstays Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were all let go or traded during the offseason, and the team added infielder Bo Bichette, right-hander Freddy Peralta and closer Devin Williams, among others. Bichette will move to third base once Francisco Lindor returns, providing a formidable infield duo to the left of Marcus Semien, another add from owner Steve Cohen this offseason.<\/p>\n
The rotation, however, looks a bit shaky after ace Freddy Peralta. Nolan McLean is expected to make strides in his first full season in the majors, but a rotation rounding out with David Peterson, Clay Holmes and an injury risk in Kodai Senga will obviously prompt serious questions. The bullpen depth is similarly bleak outside of Williams and Luke Weaver.<\/p>\n
So, a top-heavy lineup and a middling rotation and bleak bullpen outside of two players. Could we see a repeat of last season\u2019s underwhelming performance? Or can we see a resurgent Mets squad that claims the division? Neither would be a surprising outcome.<\/p>\n
Miami Marlins (79-83)![\"Miami](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/KQ22RN2KYJGWLJWEZL4EQNUISA.jpg\")
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo\/Lynne Sladky)(Lynne Sladky | AP)<\/p>\n
Notable additions: OF Owen Caissie, RHP Pete Fairbanks, INF Christopher Morel, OF Esteury Ruiz, RHP Chris Paddack, LHP John King<\/p>\n
Notable subtractions: RHP Edward Cabrera, LHP Ryan Weathers, OF Joey Wiemer, OF Dane Myers, 1B Eric Wagaman<\/p>\n
The Marlins, in the midst of a rebuild, actually finished ahead of the Braves in the NL East in 2025.<\/p>\n
Despite the third-place finish, the Marlins are continuing the rebuild, with a few notable additions. The team brought in right-hander Pete Fairbanks to anchor the bullpen; they are also hoping Sandy Alcantara can fully return to his 2023 form following Tommy John surgery. Alcantara posted a 3.33 ERA and 1.04 WHIP after the All-Star break last year, giving the organization reason for optimism heading into 2026.<\/p>\n
Miami also parted ways with pitcher Edward Cabrera but acquired top prospect Owen Caissie in return, offering fans something to look forward to in a season focused squarely on development. Additional young talent like Agust\u00edn Ram\u00edrez and Kyle Stowers provides further hope, especially after Stowers showed flashes of dominance when healthy last season.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s an outside chance the Marlins could surprise and push past 80 wins, but this remains a transitional year. Contention is unlikely, though the roster features several intriguing pieces worth watching.<\/p>\n
Atlanta Braves (76-86)![\"Atlanta](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/U4A4DKRZYFF2RDXAQGEVHAFMZA.jpg\")
Atlanta Braves’ Drake Baldwin reacts after hitting a game-winning pinch hit single in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Friday, April 18, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo\/Colin Hubbard)(Colin Hubbard | AP)<\/p>\n
Notable additions: RHP Robert Su\u00e1rez, OF Mike Yastrzemski, UTIL Mauricio Dub\u00f3n, LHP Mart\u00edn P\u00e9rez, SS Jorge Mateo, C Jonah Heim, RHP Joel Payamps, LHP Danny Young, RHP Ian Hamilton, INF Kyle Farmer, 1B Rowdy Tellez<\/p>\n
Notable subtractions: DH Marcell Ozuna, RHP Alek Manoah, INF Nick Allen, RHP Pierce Johnson<\/p>\n
The Braves were plagued by injuries in 2025, resulting in their first missed postseason since 2017.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, that trend has not slowed down heading into 2026. Even before spring training games began, Atlanta lost catcher Sean Murphy (hip), infielder Ha-Seong Kim (finger), and pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep due to elbow injuries. The setbacks continued, as the team also lost Jurickson Profar (PED suspension), left-hander Joey Wentz (knee) and right-hander Spencer Strider (oblique) before opening day.<\/p>\n
Despite the injury concerns, the Braves made key bullpen additions. The team re-signed Tyler Kinley and brought in former San Diego Padres closer Robert Su\u00e1rez on a three-year deal. Su\u00e1rez and Raisel Iglesias should give the Braves a formidable late-inning duo. Having not one, but two shut down relievers should give the offense time and space to pull ahead and is a proven method in the postseason. <\/p>\n
Still, in a competitive NL East and with so many early injuries, Atlanta will need several things to break its way in 2026 to seriously contend for a postseason spot.<\/p>\n
The core remains largely intact from last season, including reigning NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, who looks poised for a strong sophomore campaign, and Michael Harris II, a candidate for a bounce-back year. The team will also benefit from a full season of Ronald Acu\u00f1a Jr. for the first time since 2023.<\/p>\n
Offensively, the additions of Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dub\u00f3n should provide a little bit of power and depth to the lineup.<\/p>\n
In the rotation, the Braves are expected to open the season with Chris Sale, Reynaldo L\u00f3pez, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder and likely Jos\u00e9 Su\u00e1rez while awaiting the returns of Strider, Schwellenbach and Waldrep. However, any additional injuries could force the front office to seek external help or turn to top prospects like JR Ritchie or Didier Fuentes to fill the gaps.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s plenty to like about the Braves. However, any additional setbacks could significantly impact the roster and potentially lead to another postseason absence.<\/p>\n
Washington Nationals (66-96)![\"Washington](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/YNCW5YLD6ZDJVPEK7BEMZGER3M.jpg\")
Washington Nationals’ James Wood in action during a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo\/Nick Wass)(Nick Wass | AP)<\/p>\n
Notable additions: C Harry Ford, RHP Zack Littell, RHP Miles Mikolas, LHP Foster Griffin, SS Gavin Fien<\/p>\n
Notable subtractions: LHP MacKenzie Gore, LHP Jose A. Ferrer, 1B Josh Bell, 3B Paul DeJong<\/p>\n
Welcome to the rebuild after the rebuild.<\/p>\n
Six years after winning the World Series, the Nationals hit reset once again, dismissing general manager Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez following another losing season. In their place, the organization turned to 36-year-old GM Paul Toboni and 33-year-old manager Blake Butera in hopes of charting a new direction.<\/p>\n
The roster has already seen significant changes. MacKenzie Gore was dealt to the Texas Rangers during the offseason, and former cornerstone pieces like CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz could be next as the team continues to reshape its future.<\/p>\n
One clear bright spot is James Wood, who launched 31 home runs in 2025 and looks every bit like the franchise cornerstone moving forward.<\/p>\n
Expectations remain low in 2026. The Nationals are aiming to avoid not just a last-place finish in the NL East, but the worst record in all of baseball. The rotation, led by veterans Miles Mikolas and Zack Littell, is more about stability than upside, though right-hander Cade Cavalli remains an intriguing arm to watch.<\/p>\n
All in all, it could be a rough season in Washington. But as history shows, every team eventually cycles through stretches like this \u2014 even if this one feels particularly steep.<\/p>\n
Regular season looms<\/p>\n
The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants will open the regular season on Wednesday in a game that will be broadcast on Netflix.<\/p>\n
Several other teams will begin their seasons on Thursday, but the Braves will have to wait until Friday to get underway. They\u2019ll open with a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals before heading into another three-game series against the Athletics starting Monday.<\/p>\n
>> BRAVES COVERAGE<\/a><\/p>\nCopyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The National League East\u2019s intense competition throughout the decade has usually bred…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":641755,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2395],"tags":[82092,3418,191,46,5,88,7798,226,192,1207,891,847,5143,13615,83,39,20944,116,4914,1087,9871,15600,82093,753,365,12343,113,1332,6,3276,9098,7530,13041,1098,915,120,3541,21334,9978,81,57,999,2186,107,771,78,386,1816,370,1103,3617,101,778,58,4171,119,123,8532,4,415,1690,61,2270,8639,7439,82091,82089,82090,21722,4681,53247,9677,74,848,144,25,40,90,80,109,1073,2006,1713,115,414,71,5170,117],"class_list":{"0":"post-641754","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-miami-marlins","8":"tag-2026-mlb-standings","9":"tag-adolis-garcia","10":"tag-atlanta","11":"tag-atlanta-braves","12":"tag-baseball","13":"tag-bo-bichette","14":"tag-brad-keller","15":"tag-brandon-nimmo","16":"tag-braves","17":"tag-bryce-harper","18":"tag-christopher-morel","19":"tag-craig-kimbrel","20":"tag-cristopher-sanchez","21":"tag-david-robertson","22":"tag-devin-williams","23":"tag-dodgers","24":"tag-dodgers-world-series","25":"tag-dylan-moore","26":"tag-edward-cabrera","27":"tag-edwin-diaz","28":"tag-esteury-ruiz","29":"tag-fangraphs","30":"tag-fangraphs-predictions","31":"tag-freddy-peralta","32":"tag-harrison-bader","33":"tag-harry-ford","34":"tag-j-t-realmuto","35":"tag-jeff-mcneil","36":"tag-jesus-luzardo","37":"tag-jhoan-duran","38":"tag-joel-payamps","39":"tag-jonah-heim","40":"tag-jonathan-bowlan","41":"tag-jordan-romano","42":"tag-jorge-mateo","43":"tag-jorge-polanco","44":"tag-josh-bell","45":"tag-kyle-backhus","46":"tag-kyle-farmer","47":"tag-kyle-schwarber","48":"tag-los-angeles-dodgers","49":"tag-luis-robert-jr","50":"tag-luisangel-acuna","51":"tag-luke-weaver","52":"tag-mackenzie-gore","53":"tag-marcell-ozuna","54":"tag-marcus-semien","55":"tag-marlins","56":"tag-martin-perez","57":"tag-matt-strahm","58":"tag-mauricio-dubon","59":"tag-mets","60":"tag-miami","61":"tag-miami-marlins","62":"tag-miamimarlins","63":"tag-mike-yastrzemski","64":"tag-miles-mikolas","65":"tag-mj-melendez","66":"tag-mlb","67":"tag-nationals","68":"tag-new-york","69":"tag-new-york-mets","70":"tag-nick-allen","71":"tag-nick-castellanos","72":"tag-nl-east","73":"tag-nl-east-2026","74":"tag-nl-east-outlook","75":"tag-nl-east-predictions","76":"tag-nl-east-standings","77":"tag-orion-kerkering","78":"tag-orion-kerkering-error","79":"tag-owen-caissie","80":"tag-pete-alonso","81":"tag-pete-fairbanks","82":"tag-philadelphia","83":"tag-philadelphia-phillies","84":"tag-phillies","85":"tag-ranger-suarez","86":"tag-robert-suarez","87":"tag-ryan-helsley","88":"tag-ryan-weathers","89":"tag-tobias-myers","90":"tag-trea-turner","91":"tag-walker-buehler","92":"tag-washington","93":"tag-washington-nationals","94":"tag-zack-littell","95":"tag-zack-wheeler"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641754","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=641754"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/641754\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/641755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=641754"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=641754"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=641754"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"Philadelphia](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/L6OINC527ZFCXBOGDELDWSRXIU.jpg\")
Philadelphia Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber, left, celebrates with Bryce Harper after hitting a home run off of Angel Zerpa during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Matt Rourke)(Matt Rourke | AP)<\/p>\n