Atlanta Braves
With +140 odds at Sports Interaction, the Braves are the current frontrunner to take home the NL East crown. However, that’s definitely not expected. Atlanta’s offseason has been underwhelming to say the least. They lost two key starters in Max Fried and Charlie Morton, who joined the NY Yankees and Baltimore Orioles, respectively.
The worst part is the ball club has failed to replace either of them. Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuna Jr will begin the season on the IL as well, which isn’t ideal. On top of Fried and Morton departing, Jorge Soler was traded and veteran backstop Travis D’Arnaud had his team option declined. The Braves finished second in the division last season and lost in the Wild Card.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies won the NL East in 2024 and once again have a very solid group. Their roster remains more or less the same, with the addition of a handful of new faces. Philadelphia brought in ex-Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano, who has been dominant in his big league career. They also traded for left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo, who could be a top-end piece in their rotation if need be.
Also, they signed Max Kepler to a one-year deal, who is a productive player on both sides of the ball. The Phillies were 95-67 last year and lost in the NLDS to the Mets. With the core of Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola not getting any younger, the time to win is now. Philadelphia has the second-best NL East odds at MLB betting sites.
New York Mets
Outside of the loaded Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mets had the best offseason imaginable. They managed to lure Juan Soto away from the Bronx, signing the slugger to a 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in sports history. Soto was brilliant with the Yankees last season and will fit right in with his new ball club.
While the belief was Alonso would sign elsewhere, he also just returned on a two-year deal. That gives the Mets a frightening duo in the heart of their lineup. Soto and Alonso are two of the best power hitters in the game and will certainly be a force in ‘25. When it comes to pitching, they brought back Sean Manaea, signed Clay Holmes from the Yanks to become a starter, and also added some bullpen pieces. Although health is obviously going to be key, nothing is stopping the Mets from not only capturing the NL East title but also making a run to the World Series.
