One storyline to watch for every NL East team in 2025

For the next seven months, all 30 MLB clubs will compete for a chance to make the postseason and secure a World Series pennant. 

With a new season underway, there is a lot to look forward to. Specifically, the star-studded National League East will have a major influence on the outcome of this season. 

Let's take a look at one storyline to watch for every NL East team in 2025. 

Atlanta Braves: Will Ronald Acuña Jr. stay healthy?

Much of the Braves' success this season is contingent upon the health of its superstar slugger Ronald Acuña Jr., who missed the bulk of last season after tearing his ACL in May. 

When healthy, Acuña is one of baseball's brightest stars. In 2023, Acuña was voted unanimous NL MVP after becoming the first player in history to hit 40-plus home runs and swipe 70-plus stolen bases in a single season. 

Although it will likely take time to regain his MVP-caliber form after such a severe injury, a healthy Acuña could be the engine of the Braves offense in 2025. 

Miami Marlins: Can Sandy Alcantara regain his Cy Young form?

The Braves aren't the only NL East team expecting the return of their franchise cornerstone, as the Marlins are hopeful that Sandy Alcantara can pick up where he left off. 

Alcantara, 29, hasn't pitched since October 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Before the injury, Alcantara was one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. 

In 2022, the Marlins ace won a career-high 14 games, compiled 207 strikeouts and sported a 2.28 ERA across 228 innings pitched. He won the NL Cy Young Award that season. 

Now, nearly two years removed from his last start, Alcantara aims to prove that he is still an elite pitcher capable of pioneering the Marlins rotation. 

New York Mets: Is the addition of Juan Soto enough to propel the team into title contention?

Last season was a tale of two halves for the Mets. They sat at 24-34 on June 1 — the third-worst record in the National League — after a nightmarish May that included a cluster of blown saves and one viral temper tantrum.

Then, after manager Carlos Mendoza tinkered with the lineup, permanently making Francisco Lindor the leadoff hitter, everything changed for the Mets. 

Following a sluggish start, Lindor finished the season with 33 home runs, 29 stolen bases, 107 runs scored, 91 RBI and a .844 OPS across 152 games. Additionally, the team made an improbable run to the NLCS, finishing two wins shy of a World Series berth. 

Now, after acquiring generational slugger Juan Soto this offseason, the Mets are primed for another deep postseason run. 

With Soto penciled in the lineup adjacent to Pete Alonso and Lindor, the Mets figure to have one of the best lineups in the majors. Of course, lots of teams have looked good on paper and fallen short of their goal. 

One thing's for sure, it will be interesting to see if the addition of Soto is enough for the Mets to end their 39-year title drought. 

Philadelphia Phillies: Is the Phillies new-look rotation the best in the majors?

Last season, the Phillies rotation boasted three All-Star pitchers — Zack Wheeler, Jeff Hoffman, Ranger Suarez and Cristopher Sanchez. 

Now, after acquiring talented southpaw Jesus Luzardo, the Phillies seemingly have front-end pitching talent from the top of the rotation down. Although Luzardo has yet to earn an All-Star nod, his talent is undeniable.

Should he remain healthy, the Phillies could boast the best rotation in the majors. 

Washington Nationals: Will James Wood have a breakout year?

Drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, it did not take long for the baseball world to realize that James Wood was a massive draft steal. 

An integral piece of the Juan Soto trade with the Padres, Wood is 6-foot-7, 234 pounds and uses every bit of his frame to make some of the loudest contact in baseball.

After providing fans with an encouraging preview of his potential in 79 games last season, Wood enters the 2025 season as a breakout candidate for the Nationals.