The Atlanta Braves are far from being done this off-season, but certainly their divisional rivals aren’t just sitting around with their boxes of office decorations either.
Sure… the signings of Brian McCann and Josh Donaldson signing were a big initial splash for the Atlanta Braves, and we do expect that this sets up the team for more additions to come. However, we can’t ignore what else is going on in the East: it’s because of these events that it’s still way too early to suggest that Atlanta is any kind of shoo-in to repeat as division champs.
In fact, outside of the Jerry DiPoto yard sale going on out West, you could argue that the NL East has been the busiest off-season division in baseball.
With that in mind – and the reminder that nearly half the games on the schedule involve these teams – let’s take a spin around the division and see what’s going on… so far.
Miami Marlins
I suggest that the rivals aren’t sitting around the office while pulling tree and ornaments out of their dusty boxes… though it could be happening in Miami.
Thus far, the only things that have happened on the Dolphin Expressway involve a few minor league deals and the continued hostage situation that is J.T. Realmuto.
Seriously – that’s it. No actual improvements to their team. Instead, they are adamant that their catcher won’t end up anywhere he’s most needed: with their biggest rivals.
So let’s move on. Nothing to see here.