NL East predictions: Young Nationals outfielder enjoys breakout year

With Opening Day looming for all teams, let's gaze into the crystal ball to see what's in store for every team in the National League East.

Atlanta Braves | Record prediction: 97-65 (first in division)

RHP Spencer Schwellenbach is best arm in rotation: The Atlanta Braves boast one of the strongest starting rotations in the National League, with reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale leading the way. 

2024 All-Star Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, Spencer Schwellenbach and A.J. Smith-Shawver follow. Ace Spencer Strider will also likely return at some point in April. That said, Schwellenbach shined during his rookie campaign last year with a 3.35 ERA across 21 starts. 

The 24-year-old pitched to a 3.00 ERA across 21 innings during spring training, boding well for a continued breakout in 2025. 

Miami Marlins | Record prediction: 54-108 (fifth)

INF Connor Norby will emerge as a star: Although he's expected to miss four weeks to begin the season with an oblique strain, Connor Norby is still the most well-positioned for a prosperous year in Miami. 

Upon being traded to the Marlins at the 2024 deadline, the 24-year-old got off to a scorching start, batting .313 with three home runs and five RBI in August. 

With the Fish lacking star power, the sky is the limit for the former Orioles top prospect, who has the offensive tools to be a force in their lineup. 

New York Mets | Record prediction: 86-76 (third)

INF Brett Baty is named an All-Star: The rise of Mark Vientos in the Mets’ lineup made many fans and pundits write off former first-round pick Brett Baty. 

Since his debut in August 2022, Baty has experienced many highs and lows at the major league level. After starting the 2024 campaign strong, he fell off and was optioned to Triple-A, where he remained for the rest of the season. 

But the 25-year-old wasn’t yet ready to surrender a potential roster spot. He had an excellent spring training, slashing .353/.441/.745 with four home runs and 11 RBI in 20 games. Baty’s performance earned him a spot on the 2025 Opening Day roster, where he’s hoping to seize the opportunity. 

Philadelphia Phillies | Record prediction: 92-70 (second)

LHP Cristopher Sanchez is in NL Cy Young conversation: The Phillies' rotation has enjoyed significant success in recent seasons, in part due to the rise of Cristopher Sanchez. 

The southpaw has improved each year, being named to his first All-Star Game in 2024, tossing two complete games, a shutout and 181.2 innings to the tune of a 3.32 ERA in 31 starts. 

He’ll take it further in 2025, becoming a serious contender for the NL Cy Young Award. If his spring was any indication, where he posted a 1.62 ERA and struck out 19 across 16.2 innings, Sanchez is primed for another outstanding year.

Washington Nationals | Record prediction: 78-84 (fourth)

OF James Wood has a 20-HR/20-SB season: Acquired from the Padres in the 2022 Juan Soto trade, James Wood made his highly anticipated debut in 2024 at just 21. 

The 6-foot-7, 234-pound outfielder impressed in 79 games. He had a .781 OPS with nine homers, 13 doubles, four triples, 41 RBI and 14 stolen bases, putting his power and speed on full display. 

Wood continued to do so during spring training, belting four home runs in 16 games. It will be exciting to watch what the youngster can accomplish across a 162-game campaign.