Following an absolutely electric 2018, we’re ready for another season of Major League Baseball. Since last year, there have been quite a few trades and free agent moves that have changed the picture of the National League.
To be clear, we obviously don’t know who’s going to win, as this is strictly opinion-based. We’ve been watching baseball for years and usually have a pretty good idea on how things pan out, but one of the things that makes baseball so great is the unpredictability.
The National League West
2019 Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers
So here’s the rundown for the LA Dodgers – on paper, they’re superior. This has been the case for the past few years, so they’re basically penciled in to be in the postseason, pending excessive injuries. We think the Rockies and Diamondbacks will improve but not enough to take the division. While we do see them getting off to hot starts we don’t think they have the depth to survive the entire 162-game season.
Team Ratings
Total: 8.0
Offense: 8
Defense: 9
Starting Pitching: 7.5
Bullpen: 8
Bench: 8.5
Energy: 6.5
5 Key Difference Makers
- Corey Seager
- Cody Bellinger
- Clayton Kershaw
- Justin Turner
- A.J. Pollock
Dark Horse: Kenta Maeda
The National League Central
2019 Winner: Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have continued to improve over the past few years and we’ve been impressed. With their fairly recent acquisitions, their talent has become matched up with their energy, making them a true contender. They looked great in last year’s postseason and we only see them getting better. Prior to the start of the 2019 season, the Brewers have a big chance of getting star closer, Craig Kimbrel, who would be a major piece of their success. With a stronger lineup, Kimbrel would be their key to securing more leads and gaining more ground in their division.
Team Ratings
Total: 8.2
Offense: 9
Defense: 9
Starting Pitching: 7.5
Bullpen: 8
Bench: 8
Energy: 7.5
5 Key Difference Makers
- Eric Thames
- Ryan Braun
- Christian Yelich
- Mike Moustakas
- Lorenzo Cain
Dark Horse: Travis Shaw
The National League East
2019 Winner: Philadelphia Phillies
The NL East is going to be downright interesting! With the emergence of the young and talented Phillies and Braves, they division (and throne) has been taken from the Nationals for the foreseeable future. The electrifying talent is gaining traction, but the Phillies will have the edge after the acquisition of Bryce Harper, David Robertson, and Andrew McCutchen. Their offense should be enough to match their defense, which should make them a true contender and many are expecting Maikel Franco to have a big year.
Team Ratings
Total: 8.3
Offense: 9
Defense: 8
Starting Pitching: 8
Bullpen: 8.5
Bench: 8.5
Energy: 8
5 Key Difference Makers
- Bryce Harper
- Jake Arrieta
- Maikel Franco
- David Robertson
- Andrew McCutchen
Dark Horse: Roman Quinn
The National League Wild Card
After such a suddenly impressive 2018, the Atlanta Braves are going to continue to shake things up this year. As successful as 2018 was, the team used the opportunity to strengthen and mature, which will make this year interesting. Freddy Freeman is healthy and their pitching is getting stronger, so putting these two things together means they’re expecting to win. We don’t think they’ll be quite as good as Philadelphia, but it will be close.
Team Ratings
Total: 7.9
Offense: 8
Defense: 8.5
Starting Pitching: 7.5
Bullpen: 8
Bench: 7
Energy: 8.5
5 Key Difference Makers
- Freddie Freeman
- Josh Donaldson
- Nick Markakis
- Julio Teheran
- Ozhaino Albies
Dark Horse: Brian McCann
Another up and coming team is the Colorado Rockies, whose power and consistent pitching impressed fans in 2018. They’ll have their work cut out for them this year with LA, so staying healthy will be a priority for them. Speaking of injuries, with the addition of Daniel Murphy, we expect to see more run production, so it will be really fun to see how that plays out.
Team Ratings
Total: 8.0
Offense: 8.5
Defense: 8
Starting Pitching: 8
Bullpen: 7.5
Bench: 8
Energy: 8
5 Key Difference Makers
- Nolan Arenado
- Charlie Blackmon
- Ian Desmond
- Daniel Murphy
- Wade Davis
Dark Horse: Mark Reynolds
2019 Wildcard Winner
It’s obviously going to be a tough call, but we think the Braves have what it takes to pass the tests. We think it’s going to come down to depth and that’s where Atlanta will come through. There are a lot of factors to consider, so get ready for a great season!
