NL East fool's gold: Don't expect these players to keep up current pace

Some players are overperforming early in the Major League Baseball schedule and are due to regress. 

With roughly 10 percent of the season completed, here's our fool's gold team for the National League East. (All statistics are through Thursday.)

Atlanta Braves | SS Nick Allen 

Nick Allen has been somewhat of a godsend for the 5-13 Atlanta as former everyday shortstop Orlando Arcia’s struggles from last season have carried over to 2025. Although still without a home run, Allen is batting .306 with two doubles, an RBI and four stolen bases in 11 games. He currently has the sixth-highest WAR (0.4) on the team, which is indicative of how much the Braves’ lineup has struggled offensively this year.

Miami Marlins | 1B Matt Mervis

The Marlins’ offseason trade for Matt Mervis is looking like a steal early on in the season. The 27-year-old has been hot to begin the year, with his six homers tied for the fourth most in the league. He also sports a 1.010 OPS and 12 RBI across 14 games. Miami welcomes the power, but it’s unlikely to last, as he has yet to log an extra-base hit that isn’t a home run.

New York Mets | RHP Griffin Canning

New York’s rotation was initially thought to be its weakness, but so far, the offense has been a more significant issue for the Mets. Their 2.30 team ERA ranks first in MLB. In particular, how Griffin Canning would fare was uncertain, but he has been serviceable. The 28-year-old is 2-1 with a 3.43 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched. Although he can provide the Mets with innings, his ERA is probably not sustainable.

Philadelphia Phillies | INF Edmundo Sosa

Utilityman Edmundo Sosa has gotten off to a scorching start for the Phillies, slashing .414/.438/.552 with four doubles and eight RBI in 11 games. He’s been performing better than a few of Philadelphia’s regulars, causing some to question whether he should be in the everyday lineup. At the end of the day, though, Sosa operates better as a highly effective bench bat who can play most infield positions and recently got reps in left field.

Washington Nationals | LHP Mitchell Parker

Southpaw Mitchell Parker has been the ace of the Nationals’ pitching staff throughout April, with a 1.85 ERA and 16 K in 24.1 frames of work. The 25-year-old has impressed to start his sophomore campaign in the big leagues, but with his fastball topping out at just 93 mph, it’s likely just a lucky stretch. Hitters will figure him out soon.