The National League East in 2025 is a compelling theater within Major League Baseball. It showcases a dynamic blend of teams. Each team harbors distinct aspirations as the season approaches. The division includes reigning champions. It also features ambitious contenders and franchises charting new courses. This mix promises a captivating narrative filled with high-stakes matchups. There are also compelling player stories to follow. The upcoming campaign may result in a significant power struggle at the top. It could also witness the resurgence of a storied franchise. Teams focused on building for sustained success might continue to evolve. This preview looks into the projected landscape of the NL East. It examines each team. The focus is on the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Miami Marlins, and Washington Nationals. The aim is to offer an in-depth analysis of their potential in the 2025 season.

Table 1: Projected Starting Lineups and Rotations – NL East 2025

Position	Atlanta Braves	Philadelphia Phillies	New York Mets	Miami Marlins	Washington Nationals
1	Jurickson Profar (LF)	Trea Turner (SS)	Francisco Lindor (SS)	Xavier Edwards (SS)	CJ Abrams (SS)
2	Michael Harris II (CF)	Bryce Harper (1B)	Juan Soto (RF)	Connor Norby (3B)	Dylan Crews (RF)
3	Austin Riley (3B)	Alec Bohm (3B)	Pete Alonso (1B)	Otto Lopez (2B)	James Wood (LF)
4	Matt Olson (1B)	Kyle Schwarber (DH)	Brandon Nimmo (LF)	Jonah Bride (DH)	Nathaniel Lowe (1B)
5	Marcell Ozuna (DH)	Nick Castellanos (RF)	Mark Vientos (3B)	Derek Hill/Dane Myers (CF)	Josh Bell (DH)
6	Ozzie Albies (2B)	Max Kepler (LF)	Jesse Winker/Starling Marte (DH)	Nick Fortes (C)	Luis García Jr. (2B)
7	Drake Baldwin (C)	J.T. Realmuto (C)	Jose Siri/Tyrone Taylor (CF)	Kyle Stowers/Griffin Conine (LF/RF)	Keibert Ruiz (C)
8	Jarred Kelenic/Bryan De La Cruz (RF)	Bryson Stott (2B)	Brett Baty/Jeff McNeil (2B)	Matt Mervis (1B)	Paul DeJong (3B)
9	Orlando Arcia (SS)	Brandon Marsh (CF)	Luis Torrens (C)		Jacob Young (CF)
SP1	Chris Sale	Zack Wheeler	Clay Holmes	Sandy Alcantara	MacKenzie Gore
SP2	Reynaldo López	Aaron Nola	Kodai Senga	Cal Quantrill	Jake Irvin
SP3	Spencer Schwellenbach	Jesús Luzardo	David Peterson	Ryan Weathers	Michael Soroka
SP4	Grant Holmes	Cristopher Sánchez	Griffin Canning	Max Meyer	Mitchell Parker
SP5	Ian Anderson	Ranger Suárez	Tylor Megill/Paul Blackburn	Edward Cabrera/Connor Gillispie	Trevor Williams

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Atlanta Braves: Aiming to Reclaim the Top Spot

The Atlanta Braves enter the 2025 season with a clear objective: to regain their position atop the NL East. The projected lineup displays a formidable offensive core. The lineup is anchored by a familiar quartet. Matt Olson is at first base. Ozzie Albies is at second. Austin Riley is at third. Orlando Arcia is at shortstop. These players have consistently provided offensive firepower and form the backbone of Atlanta’s run-producing capabilities. Their established roles offer a significant advantage in terms of offensive consistency and potential for the upcoming season.  

The outfield situation presents an initial challenge as Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from injury. Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the start of the season. In his absence, Jurickson Profar, acquired in the offseason, will start in left field. Michael Harris II will continue in center. The right field position will have a platoon with Jarred Kelenic. Bryan De La Cruz will also be included. This is a strategic move to leverage favorable matchups. Profar’s addition brings a veteran presence and offensive capability to bridge the gap until Acuña Jr.’s return. The potential platoon in right field indicates the Braves’ commitment to maximizing offensive output based on opposing pitching. Marcell Ozuna is projected to continue as the designated hitter. He will provide significant power in the middle of the order. This role makes him a consistent source of runs for the team.  

The catching situation is impacted by injury. Sean Murphy is expected to be sidelined at the start of the season. This opens the door for Drake Baldwin, a highly regarded prospect, to potentially serve as the starting catcher. Murphy’s absence creates an early reliance on a less experienced option. Baldwin’s performance will be closely watched. It serves as a potential indicator of the Braves’ catching depth.  

Atlanta’s projected starting rotation features a blend of experience and youthful potential. The veteran left-hander Chris Sale headlines the staff, bringing a Cy Young pedigree to the Braves. Reynaldo López, who enjoyed a successful transition from the bullpen to the rotation, is another key member. Spencer Schwellenbach and Grant Holmes represent promising young arms expected to contribute significantly. Ian Anderson rounds out the rotation. The Braves are committed to providing him with an opportunity. This is due to his lack of minor league options. Despite some inconsistencies in spring training, the Braves have shown their confidence in him. Sale’s health and performance will be crucial for the rotation’s success. The development of Schwellenbach and Holmes will be closely monitored.

The Braves’ bullpen appears to be a significant strength, anchored by the reliable closer Raisel Iglesias. He is supported by a deep group of relievers including Pierce Johnson, Aaron Bummer, Dylan Lee, and Daysbel Hernández. The offseason addition of veteran Héctor Neris further bolsters the bullpen depth and provides another experienced arm for high-leverage situations. Enyel De Los Santos and Buck Farmer are also expected to contribute to the relief corps.  

The Braves’ offseason moves were strategic, addressing key areas of need. The signing of Jurickson Profar helps to mitigate the impact of Acuña Jr.’s early absence, providing a versatile outfielder with a proven track record . Héctor Neris’s addition strengthens an already deep bullpen, offering another late-inning option. The potential early-season role for prospect Drake Baldwin is noteworthy. It highlights the organization’s depth at the catching position.  

Key departures from the Braves’ roster include starting pitchers Max Fried and Charlie Morton. The team also loses reliever AJ Minter, catcher Travis d’Arnaud, and designated hitter Jorge Soler. The departures of Fried and Morton create significant vacancies in the starting rotation. The current group will need to fill these spots effectively. Minter’s absence impacts the bullpen depth, though the acquisition of Neris helps to address this.  

Looking ahead to 2025, the Braves face potential challenges. These are particularly in the early part of the season with the expected absence of Acuña Jr. and possibly Spencer Strider. The catching situation with Murphy’s injury also presents an immediate hurdle. Additionally, the team will be relying on younger pitchers in their rotation to perform at a high level. Despite these challenges, the Braves possess significant strengths. Their powerful offensive core remains intact, providing a consistent source of run production. The bullpen is deep and talented, capable of shutting down opposing offenses. Furthermore, the team benefits from veteran leadership both in the lineup and on the coaching staff. Even with early-season injuries, the Braves have a strong foundation to compete at a high level in the NL East.  

Philadelphia Phillies: Defending Their Reign with a Potent Roster

The Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2025 season as the reigning champions of the NL East. They carry high expectations for another deep playoff run. Their projected lineup includes returning offensive stars. This lineup features Bryce Harper at first base. Trea Turner is at shortstop. Kyle Schwarber serves as the designated hitter. Alec Bohm plays at third base. Nick Castellanos is positioned in right field. This experienced core forms a potent top half of the lineup, capable of generating significant run production. There’s also a possibility of a shakeup at the top of the order. The speedy Turner could potentially hit leadoff. This change could add a new dimension to the Phillies’ offense.

The rest of the Phillies’ projected lineup features catcher J.T. Realmuto, second baseman Bryson Stott, left fielder Max Kepler, and center fielder Brandon Marsh. This group provides a mix of veteran presence and developing talent. The offseason acquisition of Kepler adds another left-handed bat to the lineup. However, his historical struggles against left-handed pitching are noted. This is considered a potential area of concern. The Phillies will likely look for Stott and Marsh to continue their development and contribute consistently at the plate.  

Philadelphia’s projected starting rotation is arguably the best in baseball, featuring a formidable quintet. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola headline the staff, forming a dominant one-two punch . The offseason acquisition of left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins further strengthens the rotation . Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez round out the starting five . The depth and health of this rotation will be paramount for the Phillies’ aspirations.  

The Phillies’ bullpen features a blend of established and emerging arms. José Alvarado, Jordan Romano, Orion Kerkering, and Matt Strahm are expected to handle key late-inning roles . The offseason addition of Romano brings valuable closing experience to the team . Tanner Banks, Joe Ross, José Ruiz, and Taijuan Walker are also projected to contribute to the relief corps .  

The Phillies’ offseason acquisitions were targeted to bolster their already strong roster. The trade for Jesús Luzardo significantly upgrades the starting rotation, providing another high-quality arm . Jordan Romano’s signing addresses the need for a proven closer in the bullpen . Max Kepler adds outfield depth and another left-handed bat to the lineup . Joe Ross provides further depth to the pitching staff . Notably, the trade for Luzardo involved parting with a promising young shortstop, Starlyn Caba. Some analysts believe this move could be a future regret.  

Outfielder Austin Hays was non-tendered. This marked a key departure for the Phillies. Relievers Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez were both free agents. Hays provided some outfield depth. However, the departures of Hoffman and Estévez create openings in the bullpen. The Phillies have addressed these openings through their acquisitions and internal options.  

The Phillies enter the 2025 season with World Series aspirations, fueled by three consecutive playoff appearances. They have a strong starting pitching and a powerful offense. An experienced core supports them. This combination positions them as a leading contender in the National League. Their ability to navigate the postseason successfully after recent near misses will be a key storyline to follow.  

New York Mets: Injecting Star Power and Renewing Playoff Aspirations

The New York Mets embarked on a significant offseason. They injected star power into their roster. Their clear aim is to renew their playoff aspirations for the 2025 season. The headline acquisition was undoubtedly outfielder Juan Soto , a generational talent whose arrival immediately elevates the Mets’ offensive potential. Projections suggest Soto will be one of the premier hitters in the National League. He is expected to have an exceptional on-base percentage and power. He will be a key player in the outfield. Soto likely batting near the top of the lineup signifies a major shift in the Mets’ offensive capabilities.  

The Mets’ projected lineup includes Francisco Lindor at shortstop. Pete Alonso is positioned at first base. They provide further star power in the heart of the order. Brandon Nimmo is expected to patrol left field , while Mark Vientos is projected at third base. Jesse Winker and Starling Marte will likely share the designated hitter role. This is a strategic move to optimize matchups. Center field could also see a platoon between Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor , with Siri offering strong defense. Second base is another position possibly using a platoon. Brett Baty might get the nod early in the season. This is due to an injury to Jeff McNeil. Luis Torrens is projected to start at catcher, especially with Francisco Alvarez sidelined due to injury.  

The Mets’ projected starting rotation has been impacted by injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. This creates some early uncertainty. Clay Holmes was acquired in the offseason. He is expected to take on a starting role. This is a transition from his previous bullpen role. Kodai Senga and David Peterson are also projected to be key members of the rotation. Griffin Canning is another likely starter. Tylor Megill and Paul Blackburn might vie for the final spot. They could also serve in a swingman role.  

The Mets’ bullpen appears to be a strength, anchored by the return of closer Edwin Díaz . Key offseason acquisitions A.J. Minter and Ryne Stanek are expected to handle important late-inning duties. Reed Garrett, José Buttó, and Max Kranick are also projected to contribute to the relief corps. Danny Young and Paul Blackburn will add depth to the team.  

The Mets’ offseason was marked by significant acquisitions aimed at bolstering their competitiveness. The trade for Juan Soto was the most impactful move, bringing an elite offensive talent to Queens. The additions of Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Frankie Montas aimed to revamp the starting rotation. However, early injuries have altered those plans. The signings of relievers A.J. Minter and Ryne Stanek strengthen the bullpen. Jesse Winker provides a left-handed bat for the DH role. Jose Siri’s acquisition adds a strong defensive center fielder. Notable departures include pitchers Luis Severino and José Quintana. Outfielders Harrison Bader and Starling Marte are also notable, although Marte remains with the team.  

The Mets enter the 2025 season with significant pressure to perform well. This is due to their high-profile offseason spending. Particularly important is the acquisition of Soto. The team’s potential depends on how well the new pieces integrate. It also hinges on whether their pitching staff can overcome early injury setbacks. Consistent performance is crucial too. The Mets have a star-studded lineup. They also have improved pitching depth. Therefore, they have the potential to be a serious contender in the NL East.

Miami Marlins: Navigating Uncertainty and Focusing on Development

The Miami Marlins appear to be in a period of transition, as usual, heading into the 2025 season. Several offseason moves suggest a focus on player development. They are also navigating financial considerations. Their projected lineup features a number of new faces. Xavier Edwards is at shortstop. Connor Norby plays at third base. Otto Lopez takes second base. Jonah Bride serves as the designated hitter. Center field may feature Derek Hill and Dane Myers sharing the position. Nick Fortes is expected to manage catching duties. The corner outfield spots could involve a platoon. Kyle Stowers and Griffin Conine might share time in left and right field. Matt Mervis, acquired in the offseason, is projected at first base. This projected lineup suggests a team prioritizing the evaluation of young talent and seeking potential long-term contributors. 

The Marlins’ projected starting rotation is anchored by the return of ace Sandy Alcantara from injury. Cal Quantrill, an offseason addition, is also expected to be a key member. Ryan Weathers and Max Meyer, both younger arms, are projected to fill other rotation spots. The final spot could be filled by Edward Cabrera or Connor Gillispie. Alcantara’s return is a significant boost. However, the overall rotation appears to lack established depth. The performance of the younger pitchers will be critical. Trade rumors surrounding Alcantara add further uncertainty to the team’s outlook.  

The Marlins’ bullpen situation is less clear, with no definitive closer projected. Calvin Faucher, Jesus Tinoco, and Anthony Bender are among the relievers. Declan Cronin, Lake Bachar, and Anthony Veneziano might also see significant innings. Ronny Henriquez and Connor Gillispie could contribute as well. There is a lack of a clear established closer. The team has a mix of younger and less experienced arms. This suggests it could be an area of potential weakness for the team.  

The Marlins’ offseason acquisitions appear to be focused on finding value and potential without significant financial investment . The notable additions include first baseman Matt Mervis, starting pitcher Cal Quantrill, and designated hitter Jonah Bride. Third baseman Connor Norby, second baseman Otto Lopez, and Rule 5 draft pick Liam Hicks (catcher) are also notable additions. Key departures include starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo, third baseman Jake Burger, infielder Vidal Brujan, and outfielder Avisaíl García. The trade of Luzardo, a promising young pitcher, indicates a focus on future potential. There are also financial considerations for cost-cutting.  

Realistic expectations for the Marlins in 2025 likely point towards a rebuilding year. The focus will be heavily on player development. The team will likely evaluate their young core. This includes players like Edwards, Norby, Meyer, and Weathers. They want to determine who can be part of their long-term plans. While not expected to contend for a playoff spot, the season will be crucial for assessing the team’s future direction. 

Washington Nationals: Continuing the Youth Movement and Building for the Future

The Washington Nationals continue their youth movement into the 2025 season. They are building around a promising young core. The team is also supplementing with veteran additions. The projected lineup includes an exciting trio. CJ Abrams plays at shortstop, Dylan Crews is in right field, and James Wood takes the left field. These three young talents are considered the future of the franchise. They are expected to occupy key offensive positions. They have the potential to form a dynamic top-of-the-order nucleus. Their development and performance will be closely watched as indicators of the team’s progress.  

The Nationals have also added veteran bats to provide experience and offensive support. Nathaniel Lowe is projected at first base, Josh Bell as the designated hitter, and Paul DeJong at third base. Bell returns for a second stint with the Nationals . These veteran additions aim to provide protection for the younger hitters and bring much-needed power to the lineup. Keibert Ruiz is projected to continue as the starting catcher, while Luis García Jr. looks to build on a strong 2024 season at second base. Jacob Young is expected to patrol center field, providing defensive value.  

Washington’s projected starting rotation features a blend of young arms with potential and veteran experience. MacKenzie Gore is expected to lead the staff, followed by Jake Irvin and Mitchell Parker. Veteran right-handers Michael Soroka and Trevor Williams also factor into the starting five. The development of Gore, Irvin, and Parker will be key for the Nationals’ future pitching outlook.  

The Nationals’ bullpen features some experienced arms, including closer Kyle Finnegan, Derek Law, and Jorge López. Jose A. Ferrer, Lucas Sims, Colin Poche, Eduardo Salazar, and Evan Reifert are also projected to contribute to the relief corps. The team may still look to add veteran depth to stabilize the back end of the bullpen.  

The Nationals’ offseason acquisitions focused on adding veteran bats and pitching depth . Notable additions include Nathaniel Lowe, Josh Bell, Paul DeJong, and Michael Soroka. Trevor Williams, Amed Rosario, Jorge López, and Colin Poche also join the team. Additionally, Rule 5 draft pick Evan Reifert was added. These moves aim to provide support and mentorship for the team’s young core. Key departures were primarily role players like Robert Garcia, Joey Gallo, and Ildemaro Vargas .  

Looking ahead to 2025, the Nationals are expected to continue the development of their young core. There is potential for an improved offense thanks to the veteran additions. The team is not likely to contend for a playoff spot. However, they should be more competitive than in previous seasons. Progress in the development of Abrams, Crews, and Wood will be key areas to watch.  

Divisional Overview and Early Predictions

The NL East in 2025 promises several compelling head-to-head matchups and potential rivalries. Games between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies will undoubtedly be high-stakes affairs. They pit the reigning champions against a perennial contender. This contender is eager to reclaim divisional supremacy. The New York Mets have an infusion of star power. They will look to challenge both the Phillies and the Braves. This makes their intra-divisional games crucial. For the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, games against their division rivals will be valuable tests. They will provide opportunities to gauge their progress.

Key storylines to follow throughout the 2025 NL East season include the health and performance of Ronald Acuña Jr. upon his return to the Braves’ lineup. Juan Soto’s highly anticipated debut season with the Mets will be crucial as they pursue a playoff berth. Another focus is the continued development and emergence of the Washington Nationals’ young core. The situation surrounding Sandy Alcantara’s health and potential trade status with the Marlins is noteworthy. Finally, the Philadelphia Phillies are on a quest to repeat as division champions. Their attempt to make a deeper run in the postseason will be eagerly watched.

Based on the analysis of each team’s projected roster, offseason moves, and potential strengths and weaknesses, here are tentative predictions for the NL East standings in 2025:

1. Philadelphia Phillies: Their strong starting pitching and potent offense give them a slight edge in a competitive division.
2. Atlanta Braves: Even with early-season injuries, their powerful offensive core and deep bullpen should keep them in contention.
3. New York Mets: The addition of Juan Soto significantly boosts their potential. However, questions remain about the starting rotation’s health. Consistency is also a concern.
4. Washington Nationals: They are continuing their youth movement with promising talent. The team should be more competitive. However, they are likely still a year or two away from serious contention.
5. Miami Marlins: They are in a period of transition. They are focusing on player development. They are projected to finish at the bottom of the division.

These predictions are, of course, subject to the inherent unpredictability of baseball. Injuries could significantly alter the landscape of the NL East as the 2025 season unfolds. Unexpected player performances might also have a big impact. Moreover, strategic in-season moves could change the situation.