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MLB Futures Bets: National League East Picks (2023)

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Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, has proven that he will do whatever it takes to bring his team their first title since 1986. Since purchasing the Mets, Cohen has brought in some of the biggest names in baseball. Unfortunately for New York, the 2022 baseball season did not end as they expected. After spending 176 days in 1st place, the Mets were unseated by their division rival, the Atlanta Braves. While the Mets and Braves battled for the National League East all season, the Phillies would get the last laugh, winning the National League pennant before falling in the World Series.

There may not be a more competitive division in Major League Baseball entering 2023. Having three legitimate World Series contenders who all made improvements during the offseason makes for an exciting, unpredictable division.

Best NL East Division Winner Bet

Below are the odds of each National League East team winning the division, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

1.) New York Mets (+130)

New York’s willingness to spend money on talented players has continued into 2023, signing 3-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. The Mets also added Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga and former All-Star José Quintana to a rotation already led by ace Max Scherzer. While this rotation has the chance to be one of the best in baseball, their offense is just as impressive. New York’s offense, which is largely returning for 2023, ranked 4th in hits and 2nd in Batting Average across the Majors in 2022.

2.) Atlanta Braves (+140)

Winners of the National League East in five consecutive seasons, the Atlanta Braves are not going away anytime soon. After losing Dansby Swanson to free agency, the Braves look to give Vaughn Grissom a chance to take over at shortstop. This position may be the only real question mark in the Atlanta lineup heading in 2023, as long as their stars can stay healthy. Second baseman Ozzie Albies will look to return to his 2021 form, where he launched a career-high 30 home runs.

3.) Philadelphia Phillies (+370)

Shockingly, the 2022 National League champions are still only viewed as the 3rd best option in the N.L. East. The offseason additions of former All-Stars Trea Turner, Taijuan Walker, and Craig Kimbrel show that they do not view their 2022 success as a fluke. These additions, including their January acquisition of Gregory Soto, prove they are going all in. While these improvements undoubtedly enhance their roster, the absence of Bryce Harper will be challenging. Harper, a two-time MVP, underwent Tommy John surgery in November and is expected to be out until at least the 2023 All-Star Break.

4.) Miami Marlins (+3000)

Miami has silently put together an impressive offseason, acquiring infielders Jean Segura and Luis Arraez while also adding A.J. Puk and Matt Barnes to their bullpen. These moves, which have sent Jazz Chisholm Jr. to the outfield, indicate that Miami feels that they can win now. Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, will look to continue his dominance against the National League. The Marlins lost 93 games last season, but their record may not tell the whole story. Miami’s roster had difficulty staying on the field at times, having only one player exceed 500 plate appearances.

5.) Washington Nationals (+20000)

The 2019 champions have fallen off fast, losing 107 times and finishing 46 games out of 1st in 2022. If there is reason to be excited as a Washington fan, they have four of the top 100 prospects and young talent in their rotation and lineup. The Nationals have parted ways with most of their stars, acquiring highly regarded prospects in return. With several former top prospects in the Majors and a lot of Minor League talent, Washington hopes to be back in contention within the next several years.

Prediction: The Mets have an experienced roster and may be ready to take the division for the first time since 2015. While the Braves have the talent to win another title, this division will be decided by who wins the Trade Deadline. Atlanta currently has the worst-ranked farm system in baseball, and the Mets have the sport’s richest and most aggressive owner in Steve Cohen. Philadelphia is an interesting choice at +370, assuming they survive until Harper returns.

Pick: New York Mets (+130)

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