NL East Division Preview: Can the A’s Lead MLB in Runs?
Filmogaz.com closes its division preview series with a focused look at the National League East. This piece distills best- and worst-case scenarios for each club. It also highlights a bold podcast prediction about run scoring.
Philadelphia Phillies
The rotation is expected to be the club’s anchor again. Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo form a promising lefty duo.
Zack Wheeler’s health is pivotal. If he returns fully, the staff could be elite and the offense may finish among the top teams in runs scored per game.
Risks include an aging roster and thin depth. Injuries to a top starter or regression from stars like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner would expose flaws.
Watch the rookies. Andrew Painter and Justin Crawford could emerge as legitimate contributors and Rookie of the Year candidates.
New York Mets
The Mets enter the season with high upside. Marcus Semien and Luis Robert could rebound, while Bo Bichette aims for a healthy peak season.
Juan Soto remains a key run producer. Young arms Nolan McLean and Carson Benge must justify their hype for the club to challenge the Dodgers.
Durability concerns lurk. Missed time from Bichette, Robert or Jorge Polanco would shrink the lineup’s margin for error and risk another playoff miss.
The most intriguing path has McLean and Benge assuming major roles. That outcome could kickstart New York’s next wave of prospects under David Stearns.
Miami Marlins
Sandy Alcantara’s return to pre-TJ form would transform Miami’s outlook. Eury Pérez could step into the top rotation slot.
An impact offseason acquisition such as Owen Caissie would bolster the lineup. Several recent additions could also become everyday contributors.
Conversely, a weak run-producing attack would force many tight games. If the bullpen cannot close those contests, the Marlins may fall short of contention.
Keep an eye on prospects. Robby Snelling and Thomas White joining the rotation could create an elite five by midseason.
Atlanta Braves
The offense still centers on Ronald Acuña, Matt Olson, Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies. Playing 140+ games from that quartet would replicate potent 2023 production.
Depth pieces like Drake Baldwin would need to overperform if injuries hit the staff early. Health is the primary determining factor.
Significant injuries to position players or pitchers would derail another contention season. However, youngsters Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie could keep the rotation afloat.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals aim to emulate the Marlins’ recent jump. Improved processes and player development could translate to roughly 15 more wins.
An overhauled farm system might elevate the club into one of MLB’s best pipelines. That outcome hinges on successful instruction and cleaner operations.
Failure to improve would leave the bullpen and run differential problematic. The worst case repeats past struggles and stalls several key prospects.
High upside exists if James Wood becomes a star and Cade Cavalli reaches ace form. In that scenario, multiple non–Opening Day players could be roster locks by 2027.
On the Pods: Bold Predictions
Filmogaz.com refreshed its flagship analytic baseball podcast with new graphics and music. Derek VanRiper and Eno Sarris host weekday episodes.
Regular contributors include Brittany Ghiroli, Trevor May and Jed Lowrie. Saturday segments will feature Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville in “Starkville.”
One bold forecast suggests the A’s could lead MLB in runs this season. Oakland ranked 12th a year ago, 116 runs shy of the Yankees at the top.
FanGraphs projects the A’s tied for fourth in runs per game. The young roster shows breakout potential and Sutter Health Park’s summer weather might boost power.
Projections indicate seven Oakland hitters above league average. The lineup is anchored by reigning AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz.
Short Notes and Season Prep
Jim Bowden released rankings of all 30 MLB starting rotations ahead of Opening Day. Preseason power rankings are also available.
Tim Britton outlined paths for every team to reach the postseason. Contract extensions came for Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Blue Jays manager John Schneider and GM Ross Atkins.
The league continues testing automated strike systems, which remain imperfect. The Astros now retain only Lance McCullers Jr. and Jose Altuve from their 2017–24 core.
Off-field issues persist. Recent reporting highlighted employee treatment concerns within the Tigers organization.
Most-clicked
- Bowden’s ranking of all 30 MLB lineups ahead of Opening Day remained the most-read piece.
