Annnnd we’re back for the NL Edition. If you missed the AL version, read here. Hand up, I had way more motivation and energy for that one. As you’ll quickly realize, the NL is a whole lot better than the AL this year. It’s not even remotely close. Let’s dive in and see why.
Philadelphia Phillies (55-41)
These are dangerous times for Phillies fans as this might be the last shot this aging core has left to win a ring together considering Schwarber is a free agent at the end of the year. Harper, Schwarber, Turner, Realmuto, Castellanos. It’s now or possibly never. The Phillies have prospects to deal, with one in Andrew Painter who everyone is going to want. If Clase becomes available (and he should) then you have to imagine the Phils jump in head first. They really can’t tinker with the lineup too much and the rotation can be improved internally with prospects so the real addressing here needs to be the pen.
Surprise: We knew Cristopher Sanchez was a nice pitcher, but he’s taken the leap to becoming a front line guy in 2025. If he’s not careful he’ll finish top 5 in Cy Young voting. Wasn’t good enough to be an All Star unfortunately.
Disappointment: Boy was Sanchez’s ascension important given the fact that Aaron Nola has nosedived. On top of poor performance he’s been sidelined with ankle and rib issues since mid-May. He’s still a few weeks away from returning. Zack Wheeler hasn’t missed a beat, but Nola isn’t holding up his end of the bargain.
New York Mets (55-42)
The Mets have had a hilarious season. They started out 45-24 with a size-able lead in the NL East, but Juan Soto wasn’t hitting to his standard, causing some concern of whether he was happy there. Then Soto turned it on and the team forgot how to play baseball. They stabilized a bit as they headed into the break thanks to the Yankees, but there’s still cause for worry, especially with the pitching. The Mets don’t have the luxury of the AL Wild Card at their disposal. If they don’t win the division they’ll be fighting tooth and nail for a postseason spot with how good the NL is.
Surprise: There was debate about what to do with Pete Alonso in the offseason and what kind of contract to offer him. Now Mets fans would jump for joy if Alonso accidentally opted into his 2026 player option. It’s been a career year for the Polar Bear which might has to be attributed to the Juan Soto effect in the lineup. Early on while Soto was slumping, Pete and Lindor carried this team to a bunch of wins.
Disappointment: Easy call here with Mark Vientos. What this kid did in the second half last year and October gave you hope and expectations that this was one of the better young bats in the game at your disposal. The surge he had sort of tricked the fanbase into counting on him to be that guy this season. 2025 has been hell for the 25 year old to the point where acquiring a bat to play CF or 3rd will be a priority at the deadline.
Miami Marlins (44-51)
WHO is in 3rd place in the NL East? The….Marlins?? Excuse me. Shocking enough they’ve got some decent young bats in the lineup with Kyle Stowers and Agustin Ramirez. Edward Cabrera is a pitcher who a ton of teams are going to call for in the next two weeks.
Surprise: Besides the whole not being in 4th or worse place, the Kyle Stowers trade has been a dream for the Marlins. His .911 OPS earned him an All Star bid and rightfully so.
Disappointment: How about Sandy Alcantara not being the most appetizing trade piece on the team? That’s Edward Cabrera by a long shot. Sandy is a mess and unless a team overpays, I don’t see the point in trading him at this value. You’re better off hoping he bounces back in the second half and shipping him off in the winter.
Atlanta Braves (42-53)
What the fuck happened to the Braves, man? Yes Acuna missed a bunch of time to start the season, but that’s doesn’t excuse this. Ozzie Albies has fallen off a cliff. Riley and Ozuna aren’t performing to the level they’re expected to. Doesn’t help that Sale and Schwellenbach are on the IL for the foreseeable future. I still expect them to blow the doors off the Yankees this weekend despite all this.
Surprise: Drake Baldwin is a fun young piece for them at catcher and has had a real nice rookie season.
Disappointment: The rest of the team, minus Acuna.
Washington Nationals (38-58)
Nothing like firing your GM right before the MLB Draft when you have the number one overall pick. That’s how you pass on a stud like Ethan Holliday. The MLB Draft is a crapshoot, who the fuck knows. Just the whole idea of firing your GM that close to the draft is hilarious to me. The Nats have good young pieces like James Wood, CJ Abrams, and MacKenzie Gore, but not a whole lot to surround them with. They’re a team with no direction or conviction.
Surprise: James Wood is a superstar. Having him under team control for years upon years is awesome. He has immense, easy power. Getting him in the Soto trade was such a win. I have no idea why anyone pitches to him.
