The Post’s Mark W. Sanchez previews the National League East as MLB spring training begins.
atlanta braves
2023: 104-58
manager: Brian Snitker (9th season)
Spring training site: northport, florida
Main additions: Atlanta has turned around former star starter Chris Sale (who hasn’t been consistently healthy since 2019) and former star outfield prospect Jared Kelenic (who hasn’t been able to hit consistently in the majors). I’m betting on it. Reynaldo López, once a hard-throwing right-handed reliever, has moved into the rotation, while the bullpen is filled with weapons such as left-handers Aaron Bummer and Ray Carr, and right-handers Pierce Johnson and Joe Jimenez. . Added to the powerful attacking team is Luis Guillaume, who is light-hitting but has magical talent on defense.
Main losses: Among the players traded away were promising young infielder Vaughn Grissom and once promising starting pitchers Michael Soroka and Kyle Wright. Outfielders Eddie Rosario and Kevin Pillar left. Among the relievers ruled out are Kirby Yates, Brad Hand, Colin McHugh and Michael Tonkin.
Featured Stories: Can the Braves find a way to keep Sale healthy or find a way to unlock the potential of Kelenic? Will I regret not pursuing a more rotational front arm? The Braves’ starting depth has been an issue in October for the past few years.
miami marlins
2023: 84-78
manager: Skip Shoemaker (second season)
Spring training site: Jupiter, Florida
Main additions: The Marlins are the only team without a major league free agent signing this week. They acquired infielders Vidal Bourjan and Jonah Bryde and veteran catcher Christian Bethancourt in minor trades. Trey Mancini arrived on a minor league contract after a difficult 2023 season.
Main losses: Jorge Soler, who hit 36 home runs last season, is out, and a big loss looms. Also gone are useful position player pieces in Yuli Gurriel, Garrett Hampson and Joey Wendle. Johnny Cueto, David Robertson and Matt Barnes will all need to be replaced after disappointing seasons in 2023.
Featured stories: Will the Marlins sign a regular shortstop or look to someone like Jon Barty to fill the position? Can converted center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. stay healthy? Who will replace Sandy Alcantara as the ace recovers from Tommy John surgery? Keep an eye on top prospect Max Meyer.
philadelphia phillies
2023: 90-72
manager: Rob Thomson (season 3, season 2 completed)
Spring training site: Clearwater, Florida
Main additions: The biggest addition was the re-signing of Aaron Nola. Otherwise, unless one or two contracts are delayed, the Phillies will basically be playing the game all over again with roughly the same team. They only signed one other major league free agent contract — left-hander Colby Allard, who had a 6.10 ERA in six major league seasons.
Main losses: Craig Kimbrel, who had 23 saves last season, is currently with Baltimore. Also gone are loan additions Michael Lorenzen and slugger Reece Hoskins, who missed last season after undergoing ACL surgery.
Featured stories: Instead of adding a proven center fielder, the Phillies appear to have faith in young, defensively talented Johan Rojas. Bryce Harper, on the other hand, became the everyday first baseman. Otherwise, pretty much the same team that made it to the World Series in 2022 and the NLCS in 2023 will return. With a nearly identical cast of characters, can they make the leap and win it all this year?
washington nationals
2023: 71-91
manager: Dave Martinez (Season 7)
Spring training site: West Palm Beach, Florida
Main additions: Several veterans have joined Washington’s young team. Joey Gallo is this year’s Jeimer Candelario (a high-priced player who could flip at the deadline), and former top prospect Nick Senzel was brought in as the regular third baseman. Right-handed relief pitcher Dylan Floro is the only free agent to sign a major league contract.
Main losses: Gallo replaces Dominic Smith, who was not tendered, while the pitching staff lost Carl Edwards Jr., Corey Abbott and Andres Machado.
Featured stories: The Nationals were 35-37 after the All-Star break last season. Will they be able to continue to surprise and improve their ability? I hope for more encouragement.
