Washington Nationals: Staff predictions for 2018
By Ron Juckett
Ron Juckett, Site Expert
We will make this unanimous and crown the Nats NL East division champions.
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The Mets and Phillies are better on paper, but the Braves and Marlins are not. When you add Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to the mix, there are plenty of chances to fatten the winning percentage on bottom feeders.
It is possible to win the best record in the league. If they can get home field advantage until a possible World Series trip that gives the Nats the best shot at getting over the playoff hunt and into the NL Championship Series.
This team can win 100 games. The talent is too good when healthy. Tanner Roark’s due for a bounce-back year with his simplified delivery. Adam Eaton turns heads with his play in left and his production at the plate. If you loved Sean Doolittle before, you will want his number retired after this season.
Although they will get over the playoff hump, do not book rooms for a parade. Momentum carries Washington to the NL flag, but they run into a Houston team on a mission and fall to the Astros.
Next: 5 must watch players in 2018
Anthony Rendon earns his first MVP. Harper wins the Home Run Derby in July and Turner the All-Star MVP. And, everybody breathes a sigh of relief when Harper’s four-year extension is announced before July.