5 players in the NL East who could derail the Braves playoff chances

We have always been taught that one player cannot win or lose a contest for a team. It sure doesn’t feel that way when these guys play the Braves.

Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Seven
Championship Series - Philadelphia Phillies v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Seven | Elsa/GettyImages
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Pete Alonso

Fangraphs projections Zips DC: .245 average, 38 home runs, 115 RBIs. 

It is no secret that the New York Mets are in rebuilding mode. However, Pete Alonso remains one of MLB’s premiere power threats. Against the Braves in his career, Alonso is a .236 hitter with 13 homers and 49 runs batted in across 75 games. This pace for a 162 season would be 28 homers and 106 RBIs. The Mets may not have much to play for in 2024 so they will try to play spoiler to the Braves.

If the Mets want any chance at making noise next season they will not only need a big year from Alonso, but a bunch of bounce back years from his supporting cast.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. 

Fangraphs projections Zips DC: .249 average, 26 home runs, 83 RBIs and 28 stolen bases. 

Much like the Mets, the Miami Marlins are not expected to be a threat in the NL East. However, they do have a group of young talented players such as Jazz Chisholm Jr. However, Jazz has never been able to put together a fully healthy season. If showcases better durability, he has all the tools to become a five WAR player in this league.

Chisholm is the spark plug to the Miami Marlins. He can provide his team with instant offense to help produce runs, and the defensive switch to center field last year was a success. Against the Braves so far in his career (42 games played), Chisholm is a .252 hitter with 9 home runs, 26 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. 

At the end of the day all five of these players have talent and carry their respective team for prolonged periods of time. However, to overtake the talented Braves squad, it's going to require a full team effort.

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