MLB odds: National League East futures look

Atlanta Braves +140

After winning the division last season, the Braves were a disappointment in the playoffs, losing to rival Philadelphia. This team has not done much to improve over the offseason. The primary move was upgrading at catcher with a trade for Sean Murphy, however, the core of this team is in its prime, or getting close to it. The main difference between Atlanta and some other contenders is at the top of the rotation. The guys they lean on the most are not dominant and righty Spencer Strider still needs to prove he can continue to make guys swing and miss for more than a season.

This feels like a more complete team than New York, but the Mets might have a higher ceiling due to their aces. 

Philadelphia Phillies +300

The Phillies were in the World Series last year. Sure they lost to Houston, and Bryce Harper looks to be out for the season but I like their chances to have another strong season. They were well behind the Mets and Braves during the regular season, but the additions of SS Trea Turner and SP Taijuan Walker add both talent and depth. Philadelphia has a history of underperforming but that World Series run might have been the breakthrough they needed. 

Amongst the contenders, they are definitely the best value. If you are going to tie up your money for six months you want a decent payoff. 

Miami Marlins +4000

The Marlins should be better than they were a year ago and perhaps playing fewer games against the teams above due to the new scheduling format will help them out. They have remade the top of their lineup with the additions of jnfielders Luis Arraez and Jean Segura. This is an athletic group but they still need someone like OF/DH Jorge Soler to rediscover his power stroke. It is just hard to score consistently without hitting homers even if the new rules help in that regard. Starter Sandy Alcantara is coming off a Cy Young season but needs a lot of support the rotation.

In a division where the contenders were not as strong the Marlins might be worth a sprinkle, but not in this strong group. 

Washington Nationals +25000

There is not a lot to like about the Nationals heading into this season. At least last year you could hope to watch the brilliant hitting of OF Juan Soto. His trade landed SP Mackenzie Gore, but thus far he has not grown into his potential. He and fellow starter Josiah Gray are the future of the team but that future looks at the very least, a couple of seasons away. At the plate, this is going to be among the worst-hitting teams in the majors. That puts even more pressure on the pitching. 

Take a hard pass here. The payoff is massive but there are no likely scenarios for the Nationals.

My Pick:  Philly is the smart play right now. I see the top 3 as pretty even so the better payoff is the way to go. If you like New York or Atlanta, wait and see. Their odds are not going to drop much.