MLB

2022 MLB preview: NL East predictions, odds, more

Max Scherzer Mets NL East preview
Max Scherzer/Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

2022 MLB Divisional Previews: NL East

(Using FanGraphs 2022 projections, odds courtesy of DraftKings)

Projected Standings

Team W L W% Odds to win Division Odds to make Playoffs
Atlanta Braves 93 69 .575 +115 -310
New York Mets 89 73 .550 +200 -285
Philadelphia Phillies 88 74 .545 +330 -120
Miami Marlins 83 79 .515 +1600 +260
Washington Nationals 73 89 .449 +5500 +800

Atlanta Braves

Key Additions

  • Kenley Jansen, RP (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Eddie Rosario, LF (agreed to two-year contract)
  • Collin McHugh, RP ( agreed to two-year contract)
  • Matt Olson (acquired from Athletics, agreed to eight-year extension)

Key Subtractions

  • Freddie Freeman, 1B (signed with Dodgers)
  • Jorge Soler, DH (signed with Marlins)
  • Joc Pederson, LF (signed with Giants)
  • Drew Smyly, SP (signed with Cubs)
  • Cristian Pache, OF, Braves’ #2 prospect (traded to A’s)

Players to Know (with 2022 ATC projected stats):

Matt Olson
Matt Olson/Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
  • Matt Olson, 1B: 149 games, .264 BA, .899 OPS, 40 HRs, 106 RBI 
  • Ronald Acuna, OF: 122 games, .281 BA, .945 OPS, 33 HR, 81 RBI

New York Mets

Key Additions

  • Starling Marte, OF (agreed to four-year contract)
  • Mark Canha, OF (agreed to two-year contract)
  • Eduardo Escobar, INF (agreed to two-year contract)
  • Max Scherzer, SP (agreed to three-year contract)
  • Chris Bassitt, SP (acquired from Athletics)
  • Adam Ottavino, RP (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Joely Rodriguez, RP (acquired from Yankees)

Key Subtractions

  • Javier Baez, SS (signed with Tigers)
  • Marcus Stroman, SP (signed with Cubs)
  • Noah Syndergaard, SP (signed with Angels)
  • Aaron Loup, RP (signed with Angels)
  • Jonathan Villar, INF (signed with Cubs)

Players to Know (with 2022 ATC projected stats):

Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso/Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
  • Pete Alonso, 1B: .259 BA, .875 OPS, 40 HR, 107 RBI
  • Jacob deGrom, SP: 149.0 IP, 11 wins, 2.56 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 12.81 K/9

Philadelphia Phillies

Key Additions

  • Nick Castellanos, RF (agreed to five-year contract)
  • Kyle Schwarber, LF/DH (agreed to four-year contract)
  • Brad Hand, RP (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Jeurys Familia, RP (agreed to one-year contract)

Key Subtractions

  • Hector Neris, RP (signed with Astros)
  • Brad Miller, 2B (signed with Rangers)
  • Corey Knebel, RP (signed with Dodgers)
  • Andrew McCutchen, RF (signed with Brewers)

Players to Know (with 2022 ATC projected stats):

Bryce Harper
Bryce Harper/Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
  • Bryce Harper, RF: .277 BA, .956 OPS, 37 HR, 104 R, 101 RBI
  • Kyle Schwarber, LF/DH: .243 BA, .866 OPS, 36 HR, 83 RBI

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Miami Marlins

Key Additions

  • Jorge Soler, DH (agreed to three-year contract)
  • Joey Wendle, 2B (acquired from Tampa Bay Rays)

Key Subtractions

  • Lewis Brinson, CF (signed with Astros)

Players to Know (with 2022 ATC projected stats):

Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler/Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
  • Jorge Soler, DH: .237 BA, .794 OPS, 30 HR, 79 RBI
  • Sandy Alcantara, SP: 190.0 IP, 12 wins, 3.60 ERA, 181 K’s

Washington Nationals

Key Additions

  • Nelson Cruz, DH (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Sean Doolittle, RP (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Cesar Hernandez, 2B (agreed to one-year contract)
  • Steve Cishek, RP (agreed to one-year deal)

Players to Know (with 2022 ATC projected stats):

Juan Soto
Juan Soto/Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
  • Juan Soto, OF: .313 BA, 1.041 OPS, 36 HR, 113 R, 104 RBI
  • Josh Bell, 1B: .266 BA, .842 OPS, 30 HR, 93 RBI

NL East Best Bet

PICK: Mets to make playoffs (-285)

WHY: Heading into last week, the Mets could very well have been the favorite to win the NL East for the first time since 2015. But Jacob deGrom’s injury and subsequent four-week shutdown has suddenly cast some doubt on their chances to take the division back from the defending-champion Braves.

They still addressed key issues this offseason thanks to Steve Cohen’s spending spree, most notably the signing of Max Scherzer and acquisition of Chris Bassitt, which should keep the rotation afloat during deGrom’s absence.

In the meantime, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have added support in the lineup with Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and Mark Canha’s arrival to Queens. This is a team that has high expectations to live up to, especially after last year’s flop. They should be able to snag a Wild Card spot in 2022.