The Post offers a look at the National League East as MLB spring training kicks off.
Atlanta Braves
2025
76-86
Manager
Walt Weiss (first season)
Spring Training Venue
Northport, Florida
Main Additions
This offseason, the Braves signed Robert Suarez, who had an impressive 40 saves for San Diego last year, to team up with Raisel Iglesias in the bullpen. They also traded for versatile Mauricio Dubon from Houston and added former Yankees prospect Jorge Mateo to bolster their infield depth. Additionally, they brought on outfielder Mike Yastrzemski and hired Walt Weiss as their new manager.
Major Loss
Nick Allen, last season’s starting shortstop, was traded to Houston in exchange for Dubon, while right-handed reliever Pierce Johnson went to Cincinnati. Marcell Ozuna joined the Pirates after hitting 21 home runs with the Braves, and manager Brian Snitker decided to retire after last season.
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Dubon, expected to play a utility role, might have to step in at shortstop until Ha-sung Kim, who is recovering from finger surgery after an ice slip, is ready. At 62, Weiss is taking on management for the second time.
Miami Marlins
2025
79-83
Manager
Clayton McCuller (second season)
Spring Training Venue
Jupiter, Florida
Main Additions
The Marlins made a few key signings, bringing in Pete Fairbanks, Chris Paddack, and Christopher Morrell, and they traded to acquire Cubs outfield prospect Owen Casey and Dodgers’ Estuary Ruiz. Fairbanks will take on the closer role.
Major Loss
The team faced significant changes as they traded Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the Yankees. First baseman Eric Wagaman was sent to the Twins, and Dane Myers was traded to the Reds.
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Sandy Alcantara’s recovery from a tough season post-Tommy John surgery could be pivotal for the Marlins. Depending on how he progresses, the team might look to trade the former Cy Young winner, who has a team option worth $21 million in 2027.
Philadelphia Phillies
2025
96-66
Manager
Rob Thomson (fifth season)
Spring Training Venue
Clearwater, Florida
Main Additions
The offseason was not particularly exciting for Philadelphia. However, the Cubs signed right-hander Brad Keller and outfielder Adris Garcia after solid performances last season.
Major Loss
Rangers Suarez left for Boston after a good stint in the rotation, while the bullpen lost Matt Stram (traded to the Royals), Jordan Romano (signed with the Angels), and David Robertson (retired). Harrison Bader also signed with the Giants.
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The defending division champions missed out on crucial signings this offseason, notably losing Bo Bichette to the Mets. They’ll lean on familiar faces like JT Realmuto and Kyle Schwarber, who were re-signed. Zack Wheeler’s anticipated return from surgery in the first half of the year is promising for the rotation. Interestingly, Nick Castellanos is still with the team, despite tension brewing since last season. Plus, there’s curiosity about Bryce Harper’s reaction after team president Dave Dombrowski questioned whether he remains “elite.”
Washington Nationals
2025
66-96
Manager
Blake Butera (first season)
Spring Training Venue
West Palm Beach, Florida
Main Additions
There’s not much to highlight for the Nationals. However, Paul Toboni was appointed as the new president of baseball operations, becoming the youngest executive in the sport at age 35. He brought in Blake Butera as the youngest manager at 33. They also traded for 22-year-old catcher Harry Ford from Seattle in exchange for left-hander Jose Ferrer.
Major Loss
Alongside Ferrer, who played 72 games last season, the Nationals traded 26-year-old lefty Mackenzie Gore to Texas for a number of minor league prospects. Josh Bell has signed with Minnesota.
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CJ Abrams remains with the Nationals, stepping in for Mike Rizzo and Dave Martinez, who were both let go last July. Although the team is rebuilding, they’re not ruling out trades, even with Abrams under contract until 2029. On a brighter note, 23-year-old James Wood impressed last season, hitting 31 home runs and leading the majors with 221 strikeouts.
