Grading each NL East team's offseason

New York signed former Yankees pitchers Clay Holmes and Frankie Montas to pitch in their rotation. Sounds promising, except Holmes hasn't started since his rookie year in 2018, when he made four. The Mets also retained starter Sean Manaea, who enjoyed a resurgence in 2024, but lost Luis Severino to the A's.

Additionally, New York traded for outfielder Jose Siri, who will likely serve as Harrison Bader’s replacement in the outfield, where he brings great defense and speed. And finally, New York has yet to re-sign first baseman Pete Alonso, who, despite his flaws, is a franchise cornerstone and ultimately makes their lineup better.

Philadelphia Phillies: B

After winning their first NL East crown since 2011, the Phillies severely underperformed in the postseason and were eliminated in the NLDS by division rival Mets in 2024. 

However, Philadelphia’s front office still believes it has the core to win, and therefore, only made minor changes this offseason by adding reliever Jordan Romano, outfielder Max Kepler and starter Jesus Luzardo. These aren't bad moves per se, but none of them automatically make the Phillies a better team; each player is a gamble on if they can remain healthy or return to form. 

Moreover, the Phils recently lost All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman to the Toronto Blue Jays, which leaves much to be desired in Philly’s bullpen after Hoffman pitched to a 2.17 ERA across 66.1 innings last season. 

Atlanta Braves: C-

With the amount of injuries the Braves experienced last season, it'll be like they're fielding a new team in 2025. Ronald Acuna Jr., Spencer Strider, Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy will all be aiming to remain healthy for the entire year. 

With that, Atlanta made only minor moves this offseason, extending breakout starter Reynaldo Lopez to a three-year, $30M deal, and reliever Aaron Bummer for two years and $13M. Former Marlins infielder Bryan De La Cruz also joined the Braves on a one-year deal. 

Although it seems insignificant, moves like these typically work wonders for Atlanta. Why? Nobody seems to know its secret. But despite a boring offseason, Atlanta will be competitive once again in 2025.

Washington Nationals: D

The Nationals could be very good in a few seasons if they don't trade away the entirety of their young core like they have in years past. While the future is bright, the right now is a bit underwhelming, as Washington hasn’t significantly improved its roster this offseason. 

They signed former Braves starter Michael Soroka and old friend Josh Bell to one-year deals. The Nats also traded for first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers, a former Silver Slugger, Gold Glove Award winner and World Series champion. 

One day after signing Bell, the club extended starter Trevor Williams for two years, despite missing a majority of last season on the injured list. Another fourth place finish seems likely for Washington.

Miami Marlins: F

In fifth place, we’ll likely have the Marlins, who have only gotten worse after a 100-loss campaign. Miami’s most significant move of the offseason was acquiring first baseman Matt Mervis, former Cubs top prospect, for infielder Vidal Brujan. 

Among their losses is Luzardo, who was traded to the Phillies in exchange for LF Emaarion Boyd and SS Starlyn Caba; and third baseman Jake Burger, acquired by the Rangers for three minor leaguers.

Miami did deal with multiple injuries, particularly to their starting staff, in 2024, but even the best rotation couldn't save its weak starting lineup, who possesses no pop outside of former Orioles top prospect Connor Norby.