The Braves added outfielder Jurickson Profar last week, their first notable addition this winter. Here’s what their National League East competitors have done in the meantime as spring training approaches:
Philadelphia Phillies
The reigning NL East champs haven’t been too busy, though they added Marlins standout lefty Jesus Luzardo via trade, deepening an excellent rotation. The team also signed former All-Star closer Jordan Romano and outfielder Max Kepler. Third baseman Alec Bohm has been in trade rumors galore, yet he remains in South Philly. There could be further additions here — never rule it out with Dave Dombrowski running the show — but this mainly is how the group will look heading to spring training.
The Phillies are still star-studded, but they are getting older. The lineup still features Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Bryson Stott, J.T. Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber. The Phillies haven’t been able to move Nick Castellanos’ contract, so he remains as well. The rotation is again headlined by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, but few teams outside Los Angeles can match the remaining three of Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez and Luzardo.
Their window is now, and they’ll try to capture that elusive championship in 2025.
New York Mets
The Mets made this offseason’s splashiest signing: Young All-Star Juan Soto on a 15-year, $765 million agreement that swayed him from the Yankees. Owner Steve Cohen has continued flexing his financial muscles on the heels of his team’s NL Championship Series appearance. The Mets re-signed starter Sean Manaea, reliever Ryne Stanek and outfielder Jesse Winker, while adding former beloved Braves southpaw A.J. Minter and starters Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas. They added outfielder Jose Siri in a trade that bolsters their depth.
The question is whether they’ll find common ground with slugger Pete Alonso; either way, the Mets have had a brilliant offseason and will be a force moving forward. The farm system is much improved, there’s plenty of star power in place and Cohen is committed to lavish spending. It feels like that 2024 postseason run was only the start.
In the immediate future, the Mets could use another starter. Their lineup would certainly be more menacing with Alonso’s power in the middle. Their bullpen should be outstanding, particularly if Edwin Diaz avoids an uncharacteristic lull as he experienced in 2024.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals are coming. It probably won’t be this season, given their youth and the mountainous climb required to ascend in the NL East, but it’s closer than some might think. Washington is one of the young, budding teams in the sport. There are so many position players oozing potential, such as Dylan Crews, James Wood and CJ Abrams, with more on the way. MacKenzie Gore headlines a rotation that surpassed expectations a year ago.
Washington signed old friend Josh Bell and acquired Nathaniel Lowe (from Texas) as veteran presences in its lineup. It signed former Braves fan favorite Michael Soroka, who escaped the dreadful White Sox to join an upstart team’s rotation.
Sometimes younger clubs arrive earlier than expected. Remember the 2018 Braves? But the current NL East is far better than it was years ago, and there are too many unknowns with these Nationals. But this team isn’t far from joining the mix.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins, a surprising wild-card team two Octobers ago, are going to be awful again. They’re rebuilding again, moving veterans and hiring a new manager in Clayton McCullough. Sandy Alcantara is back healthy and could be one of the better players available at the trade deadline, should Miami be willing to move him. The Marlins are a clear last-place team here, though they have their own young talent that could blossom. Recent players acquired in deals, like Connor Norby and Deyvison De Los Santos, will try to give Miami a foundation.
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