3 reasons why Braves will win NL East over Mets

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets are in a tight division race atop the NL East. The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to hang on.

The Braves are ranked 5th in team ERA, 8th on team WHIP, 4th home runs surrendered, and 4 th in batting average against. Max Fried is a true ace, Spencer Strider is terrific, Kyle Wright is another impressive young arm, Charlie Morton and Jake Odorizzi will be crucial for the Braves down the stretch.

The Mets rank 11th in slugging percentage, 16th on home runs, and 5th for runs scored. The Braves are second in the league in both these categories. Austin Riley is in MVP conversation with 34 home Runs. Matt Olson has 27. Dansby Swanson and William Contreras also have pop. Ozzie Albies' return from the IL will make the Braves' lineup even deeper.

The Braves are the reigning champions of MLB. The Mets haven't seen the postseason action since 2016. This is going to be a close divisional race down the stretch. The Yankees still have a sizable lead in the AL East, the Astros and Dodgers hold a commanding lead in both West divisions, and the Cardinals are running away with the NL Central.