Rating the N.L. East
1. Washington Nationals
Last year: 97-65, first place (lost to Cubs in NLDS)
Key losses: Jayson Werth, Joe Blanton, Matt Albers Key newcomers: Matt Adams, Miguel Montero Best-case scenario: The club benefits from the renewed health of outfielder Adam Eaton and the continued dominance of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg, and Bryce Harper stays healthy.
Worst-case scenario: Injuries derail what appears to be another strong postseason contender.
Hot prospect: Victor Robles can play all three outfield spots but probably will spend most of the season in the minors.
2. New York Mets
Last year: 70-92, fourth place Key losses: None
Key newcomers: Todd Frazier, Adrian Gonzalez, Jay Bruce
Best-case scenario: The starting rotation, and Yoenis Cespedes, stay healthy, and Frazier, Gonzalez, Bruce and the return of David Wright spark the offense. Worst-case scenario: The 2017 season repeats itself as injuries befall the rotation. Hot prospect: Right-hander Chris Flexen must bounce back after a disastrous major league debut last season.
3. Atlanta Braves
Last year: 72-90, third place
Key losses: Matt Kemp, Matt Adams, R.A. Dickey, Jace Peterson
Key newcomers: Scott Kazmir, Brandon McCarthy, Charlie Culberson
Best-case scenario: The young talent, led by Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna, provides some help for Freddie Freeman and Ender Inciarte in the lineup. Worst-case scenario: There isn’t enough pitching or depth on the roster. Hot prospect: Acuna, 20, was a star in Triple-A and the Arizona Fall League last season.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Last year: 66-96, fifth place Key losses: Freddy Galvis, Clay Buchholz Key newcomers: Carlos Santana, Pat Neshek, Tommy Hunter Best-case scenario: Santana becomes the veteran bat and voice in the Phillies’ lineup and Rhys Hoskins’ end-of-2017 run is more than just a fluke. Worst-case scenario: Santana doesn’t fit well, and pitching remains an issue for the young club.
Hot prospect: J.P Crawford should be the club’s future at shortstop.
5. Miami Marlins
Last year: 77-85, second place Key losses: Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, Dee Gordon, Edison Volquez, Ichiro Suzuki Key newcomers: Starlin Castro, Lewis Brinson, Monte Harrison, Magneuris Sierra Best-case scenario: The newcomers quickly fulfill some promise.
Worst-case scenario: The offloading of money continues, with Castro, J.T. Realmuto and more possibly coming off the books.
Hot prospect: Brinson is the most big-league ready.