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Baseball is back as spring training is currently underway, and opening day is coming up. We have two weeks left in spring training before teams head back home for a full 162-game season. There will be many teams to watch out for this season and many divisions that will have a tight race.
The defending World Series Champions will be playing in the division we are looking at, the Atlanta Braves from the NL East division. The Braves won the division at 88 games last season, and it is already shaping up to look like they will need more than that this season.
With the many moves made over the offseason, this division became a lot more interesting and may be the best division in baseball this season. Let’s take a look at who could come out as a winner and who could be disappointed come September so you can plan your bets against the MLB NL Division Odds.
NL East Season Predictions: Winner and Upset
Winner: Philadelphia Phillies
It will be a good year for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. With the recent acquisitions made by the front office, the Phillies are looking to make a run this season. They finished second in the division last season, 6.5 games back of the Braves.
Most recently, the Phillies signed Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos to their roster. With the DH coming to the NL, Schwarber will be perfect for that role. Castellanos could also serve as a DH but can play the outfield as well.
The pitching staff will be led by Zach Wheeler and Aaron Nola, two premier pitchers within the NL. Wheeler and Nola both held winning records last season, with over 180 innings pitched each.
The back half of the rotation is where the Phillies could struggle. They round out their rotation with Kyle Gibson, Ranger Suarez, and Hans Crouse.
The projected lineup for the Phillies will include the names of Schwarber, Castellanos, Bryce Harper, Didi Gregorius, J.T. Realmuto, and Rhys Hoskins. That will be very dangerous for opposing teams.
The biggest thing for the Phillies to control is the pitching staff and staying healthy. If any of the pitching staff falls, the chances of winning the division are hurt very much.
Upset Team: Miami Marlins
Even with the recent signing of Jorge Soler, the Miami Marlins will be a disappointing team this season. To look back and see what the Marlins had in their organization at one point and to see where they are now is sad.
There are a few things to like about the current team, including their pitching staff and a few position players. Sandy Alcantara leads the pitching staff in Miami, along with Trevor Rogers and Pablo Lopez.
From a position player standpoint, there is a lot to like with the DH signing of Jorge Soler and adding another power bat to this lineup. Another power bat will play first base in Jesus Aguilar. The rise of Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be exciting for the Marlin fans to see.
This team is young and has a group of guys that can play, but right now may not be their time. They may need to add a few more pitchers and a star name to this lineup to really bolster their chances.