NL East: Can star-studded New York Mets break Atlanta Braves' hegemony in the division?
After last year’s intense National League East battle between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves ended with Atlanta clinching its fifth straight division title, the Braves could be on track to do it again this year unless the star-studded Mets break their hegemony.
The Mets had one of the best lineups in the NL in 2022. Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil and Mark Canha formed the core of the lineup, providing exceptional on-base percentage numbers. Francisco Lindor, the team's most expensive contract, and Pete Alonso, the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year, brought power to the batting order.
Even though the Mets will not have Carlos Correa in their lineup this season, the team's offensive production is sure to be one of the best in the big leagues and arguably the best in the NL East. With so many talented hitters, the Mets will be a powerful force to be reckoned with in 2023.
This offseason was huge for the New York Mets pitching staff as they welcomed star pitcher Justin Verlander into the rotation. They also added Jose Quintana and Japanese superstar Kodak Senga, giving the team one of the league's most elite pitching staffs. In the back end, Carlos Carrasco will be holding the fort.
The ace of the New York Mets just a year ago was Jacob deGrom, who recently joined the Texas Rangers, but this year the Mets have two aces who can give the club 25 starts each in Verlander and Max Scherzer. With such strong pitching, the Mets have a good chance of securing a first-place finish in the NL East, despite any competition from the Braves.
The Mets also have one of the best managers in the game in Buck Showalter. Showalter has proven to be an excellent leader and has the team playing motivated and inspired baseball.
The Braves have a great team as well, with superstars Ronald Acuna Jr., Travis d’Arnaud and Ozzie Albies. Atlanta also has a deep and talented pitching staff, led by Max Fried and Mike Soroka.
For more on Braves’ 2023 projected lineup: https://www.sportskeeda.com/baseball/atlanta-braves-projected-starting-nine-team-2023
It’s difficult to say whether or not the Mets can break the Braves’ hegemony in the NL East for 2023. The Mets have the talent and the leadership to make a run, but the Braves have been outstanding for several seasons in a row. However, most expert predictions give the New York Mets the best odds at clinching the division.
The Mets’ core of talented players will certainly be the key to the team’s success in the 2023 NL East. Alonso, McNeil and Lindor are all stars and will be relied upon heavily to lead the team to success.
