NL East power rankings after a 20-game sample
Now that all of the members of the NL East have played over 20 games, we are starting to get a feel for who the pretenders and contenders are.
There have been some surprises to start the season, but the teams we expected to be near the top of the division are there or close to there.
Let's take a look at our second NL East power rankings as we are nearly a full month into the season.
5. Washington Nationals
Record: 7-14
Current/Upcoming Series: New York Mets
Previous Rank: 5
Early Season Recap: As we expected, the Nationals have had an ugly start to the 2023 season. They only have seven wins and are looking like a potential 100-loss team. There aren't many notable players on this team, so it's safe to say this National team is currently in the middle of a rebuild after their World Series a few years ago.
Who has Played Well: Trevor Williams has had a good start to the year on the mound, with a 3.38 ERA through four starts. The thirty-year-old righty has been a bright spot for this ball club.
4. Miami Marlins
Record: 12-10
Current/Upcoming Series: Atlanta Braves
Previous Rank: 4
Early Season Recap: The Marlins have had a surprisingly good start to the season. I really wanted to put them third above the Phillies, but I know the Phillies are still missing Bryce Harper, so I kept them at three. If the Marlins keep playing like this, they could easily hop the Phillies in our NL East power rankings. Not many expected the fish to be above .500 currently, but Luis Arraez has kept them swimming.
Who has Played Well: Luis Arraez has a fantastic start to the season, batting .444 through 72 at-bats. The 26-year-old second baseman currently leads the MLB in batting average and could be on his way to an All-Star Game appearance if he keeps this up.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 11-12
Current/Upcoming Series: Seattle Mariners
Previous Rank: 3
Early Season Recap: The Phillies haven't had a great start to the season, but as I previously stated, Bryce Harper is returning from the IL, which should be a big boost for this ball club. When you have this many superstars, you're going to figure it out, and I expect that to be the case for this ball club.
Who has Played Well: Brandon Marsh has had a hot start to the season at the dish as he is hitting .364 through 66 at-bats. This batting average has him fourth in the MLB.
2. New York Mets
Record: 14-9
Current/Upcoming Series: Washington Nationals
Previous Rank: 1
Early Season Recap: The Mets are a really good ball club, and it's going to be a lot of fun to see them and the Braves duke it out this season. Many thought the Mets might struggle after they had two major pre-season injuries, but they have figured it out and put themself a cool five games above .500.
Who has Played Well: Brandon Nimmo has a .350 average through 80 at-bats which has him sixth in the MLB. The Mets center fielder is scorching hot to start the 2023 season.
1. Atlanta Braves
Record: 14-8
Previous Rank: 2
Current/Upcoming Series: Miami Marlins
Early Season Recap: The Braves have been streaky so far this season. They went on an eight-game winning streak but are currently on a four-game losing streak. This Braves offense is undeniable, though, and as they get healthy, this team will be outstanding. I expect to Braves to win the East once again.
Who has Played Well: Ronald Acuña Jr. has been electric in every facet of the game. He has picked up a ton of runs for the Braves on the base paths and currently has a .374 batting average which is second-best in the MLB. (My goodness, the NL East has some good hitters). Acuña Jr. is at the top of the list for the NL MVP through nearly the first month of the season.
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