NL East Power Rankings: The Braves once against stay up top, but watch out for the Marlins
The Braves are still atop the NL East, but the Miami Marlins have closed the gap.
The Braves need to head back up to build the lead back up in the division if they want to win the NL East again.
We are over sixty games into the season, so this race will start to heat up and could be fun if these teams stay on the Braves tail.
Let's take a look at our NL East power rankings over sixty games into the 2023 MLB season.
5. Washington Nationals
Record: 25-34
Current/Upcoming Series: Arizona Diamondbacks
Previous Rank: 5
Early Season Recap: The Nationals have fallen nearly ten games under five hundred in a season Nats fans want to see the end. It's going to be a long rebuild for a team that won a World Series just a handful of years ago.
Who has Played Well: Joey Meneses had a great couple of weeks, raising his batting average nine points to .305. The designated hitter has been a bright spot for this putrid Nationals team.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 27-32
Current/Upcoming Series: Detroit Tigers
Previous Rank: 4
Early Season Recap: The Phillies had a rough couple of weeks and are now five games under five hundred. The Phillies have a star-stuttered roster that has had a rough go of it this season. I still feel like they will get it together, but if they don't, boy, would this be a disappointing season?
Who has Played Well: Nick Castellanos has been on a heater of late, raising his batting aver sixteen points to .316. The right fielder signed a big contract a few seasons ago, so the fan base has to love Castellanos playing good ball.
3. New York Mets
Record: 30-30
Current/Upcoming Series: Atlanta Braves
Previous Rank: 2
Early Season Recap: The Mets are sitting right at five hundred, only a handful of games behind the Braves. They are about to have a series with the Braves that could get them right back in this race. The Mets are a good ball club, and this will be a big-time series for the NL East race.
Who has Played Well: Pete Alonso doesn't have an excellent batting average but does lead the MLB with 21 bombs. The Mets are fine with the average from their first baseman as long as he goes deep often.
2. Miami Marlins
Record: 32-28
Current/Upcoming Series: Kansas City Royals
Previous Rank: 3
Early Season Recap: The Marlins are hot now, four games above five hundred and right on the Brave's heels. This is a ball club that could surprise some people and give Atlanta a run for their money. Watch out for the fish.
Who has Played Well: Luis Arraez's raised his MLB-leading batting average from .382 to .392. These numbers look straight out of a video game. Arraez really might give Ronald Acuña Jr. a run for his money in the MVP race.
1. Atlanta Braves
Record: 35-24
Previous Rank: 1
Current/Upcoming Series: New York Mets
Early Season Recap: The Braves are still leading the division, but injuries to the rotation have plagued this ball club. Luckily Ronald Acuña Jr. has been playing great baseball, keeping this offense at a high level. This team will hopefully run away with the division after the pitching staff is back healthy. The Braves have a big matchup with the Mets coming, so it should be a fun one.
Who has Played Well: Bryce Elder has been great for the Braves with a 1.92 ERA through eleven starts. He has a 3-0 record to go with this outstanding ERA. Elder is getting the start for the Braves in the series opener with the Mets, so hopefully, his success continues.
Engage with Braves Today on Socials!
Follow Braves Today on Twitter!
Like Braves Today on Facebook!
Check out the homepage for more Atlanta Braves News!
Subscribe to Braves Today on YouTube!
Get Exclusive Braves Merchandise from FOCO