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Nationals: What To Expect From The Rest Of The NL East

By Max Rayman

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves flies out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 18: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves flies out against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning in Game Seven of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 18, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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New York Mets
CHICAGO – MAY 23: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians fields against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a double header on May 23, 2016 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Indians 7-6. (Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

New York Mets

2020 Record: 26-34

Notable Players Acquired/Re-signed: Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, James McCann, Taijuan Walker, Trevor May, Aaron Loup, Jerry Blevins, Joey Lucchesi,

Notable Players Lost: Robinson Chirinos, Wilson Ramos,

The Mets had one of the strongest off-seasons in baseball. First, Steve Cohen bought the team from the Wilpons and began his tenure by engaging in the blockbuster trade for superstar Francisco Lindor and veteran Carlos Carrasco. Lindor, 27, is already a four-time All-Star, with two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. Cohen also signed James McCann and Trevor May to bolster the team’s depth.

Carrasco has been a reliable veteran throughout his 11 seasons with the Indians, but his career was in jeopardy when he was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2019. Instead, he overcame the disease and went on to be named 2019 AL Comeback Player of the Year. He followed this up with a strong 2020 season, which saw him go 3-4, with a 2.91 ERA, 82 strikeouts, and a 4.28 FIP. The veteran will slot in nicely as the team’s third or fourth starter.

Related Story. Lindor trade sends ripple affect. light

Lindor will team up with the 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso, Michael Conforto, Dominic Smith, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and James McCann in a revamped lineup.

In addition to a vastly improved offense, the Mets boast the best starting rotation in the NL East. At the front of the rotation, is the best pitcher in baseball, Jacob deGrom. deGrom already has two Cy Youngs under his belt and is coming off of another dominating season. In 12 starts, he went 4-2, with a 2.38 ERA, 104 strikeouts, and a 2.26 FIP. Behind deGrom is Marcus Stroman, Noah Syndergaard who is returning from Tommy John surgery, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker, and Joey Luchesi. In the past, the Mets rotation has lacked depth, but that is no longer the case.

The Mets, Nats, and Braves are the teams to beat in the division and will be battling it out all year. However, Atlanta and Washington have more overall depth than New York, which could bite them down the road.

Prediction: Finishes third in the division and just misses out on the Wild Card.

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