The 2026 NL East is shaping up to be the most volatile division in baseball. While the Philadelphia Phillies have opted for continuity and expensive reunions, the New York Mets have undergone a total “identity transplant,” and the Atlanta Braves are entering a new era under manager Walt Weiss.
Here is your 2026 Spring Training Preview for the NL East.
New York Mets: The “Identity Transplant”
After a frustrating 83-79 finish in 2025, David Stearns didn’t just tweak the roster; he blew it up. Gone is the “Alonso-Nimmo-McNeil” core that defined the last half-decade. In its place is an athletic, high-octane group designed to end the Dodgers’ dominance.
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Key Additions: Juan Soto (signed last winter, entering year 2), Bo Bichette (SS), Freddy Peralta (SP), Marcus Semien (2B), Luis Robert Jr. (CF), Devin Williams (RP).
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Key Losses: Pete Alonso (Orioles), Brandon Nimmo (Rangers), Jeff McNeil (Athletics), Edwin Díaz (Dodgers).
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Spring Storyline: The Nolan McLean Show. The two-way sensation is a favorite for NL Rookie of the Year. How the Mets manage his innings on the mound while keeping his bat in the lineup alongside Soto and Bichette will be the #1 story in Port St. Lucie.
Atlanta Braves: The Walt Weiss Era
For the first time since 2016, someone other than Brian Snitker is calling the shots. Walt Weiss takes the helm of a team that remains “top-heavy” with elite talent but is desperately searching for rotation stability.
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Key Additions: Robert Suarez (RP), Ha-Seong Kim (SS), Mauricio Dubón (UTL), Mike Yastrzemski (OF).
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Key Losses: Max Fried (Free Agency), Raisel Iglesias (Initially left, then re-signed to a 1-year deal).
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Spring Storyline: Spencer Strider’s Full Return. While he pitched in late 2025, this is Strider’s first “normal” spring since surgery. If he and Chris Sale are both 100%, the Braves have the best 1-2 punch in the league. Watch for top prospect Hurston Waldrep to potentially seize the #5 starter spot.
Philadelphia Phillies: The “Run it Back” (Again)
Dave Dombrowski doubled down on his veteran core, bringing back fan favorites while making one massive splash in the rotation to replace the aging depth.
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Key Additions: Jesús Luzardo (SP – via trade), Adolis García (RF), Andrew Painter (RHP – returning from injury).
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Key Losses: Nick Castellanos (Expected trade/release), Ranger Suárez (Free Agency).
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Spring Storyline: The Justin Crawford Ascension. The Phillies’ #1 prospect (and son of Carl Crawford) is fighting to be the Opening Day center fielder. If he wins the job, it allows Brandon Marsh to move to left field and creates a much more athletic outfield defense than Philly had in 2025.
Miami Marlins: The “Quiet Build”
The Marlins are leaning into a youth movement, though they’ve added a few “volatility” pieces to keep the locker room interesting.
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Key Additions: Pete Fairbanks (CL), Christopher Morel (UTL).
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Key Losses: Luis Arraez (Free Agency), Tanner Scott.
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Spring Storyline: Noble Meyer’s Arrival. The 2023 first-round pick is the “Crown Jewel” of the pitching staff. The Marlins have been cautious, but after a dominant Triple-A stint, Meyer is expected to break camp in the rotation. His development alongside Thomas White is the future of the franchise.
Washington Nationals: The Data Revolution
Under new manager Blake Butera, the Nationals have officially moved away from the “old school” approach and are fully embracing a data-driven culture to support their young core.
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Key Additions: Trevor Gott (RP), Mickey Gaspar (UTL).
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Key Losses: MacKenzie Gore (Traded to Texas), Josh Bell (Twins), Jacob Young.
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Spring Storyline: James Wood’s Superstardom. Wood is no longer a “prospect”—he’s a superstar. After a near 30/30 season in 2025, he enters camp as the face of the franchise. The main question: Can CJ Abrams find consistency at shortstop to give Wood the protection he needs in the lineup?
NL East Projected Standings (Early Vegas Odds)
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New York Mets (+140)
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Atlanta Braves (+180)
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Philadelphia Phillies (+220)
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Miami Marlins (+1500)
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Washington Nationals (+2500)
